There has been a fun, loose energy to the way the Phoenix Suns have approached preseason play ahead of the 2024-25 season, which is in complete contrast to a year ago. Back then the team had just added Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic, with the former already an injury concern with a back problem.
The introduction of rookie Ryan Dunn is a big reason for the attitude change – although second rounder Oso Ighodaro has also played his part – as the pair have relished their preseason opportunities to get some reps. Dunn has already surpassed expectations, with even the likes of Bol Bol getting in on the act.
The latest injury news makes for even better reading.
Center Nurkic has yet to play in these tune-up games so far, and that looked like it might be a concern for the organization. The 30-year-old having a spotty injury history, although last season he surprised everybody by playing 76 regular season games, the most of anybody in The Valley.
Nurkic is as important as he is limited for the Suns – but with new head coach Mike Budenholzer wanting him to take more 3-pointers than ever this coming season – his value to the starting five looks like it might go to the next level. Which is why it is so great that Nurkic looks like he is going to be back just in time for the final preseason game, before the real action begins.
