Ryan Dunn of the Phoenix Suns locks up LeBron James

The legend of Ryan Dunn continues.

When the Phoenix Suns selected their rookie with the 28th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, we expected a defensive boost, an element this offense-oriented team needed. But I don't think any of us expected how quickly it would make its presence felt. Four games into the 2024-25 season, his impact is undeniable, not just on the team but on every opponent he defends.

In just four games, Dunn has already compiled an impressive list of quality players that he has defended. MVP favorite Luka Doncic. Former MVP James Harden. GCOAT LeBron James (yes, that’s not a typo… “Greatest Career of All Time”).

When the Suns started the second quarter last night trailing by 9 points – after trailing by 18 in the first – it was Ryan Dunn's entry into the lineup that changed the momentum. Phoenix, who was initially flat on both ends, came to life when Dunn stepped onto the court, bringing with him the kind of youthful energy that only a freshman can have. His enthusiasm was contagious and inspired the team on both offense and defense.

Damn, every Bradley Beal felt the defensive mood as he chased down Rui Hachimura to tackle him with two hands on the cylinder.

“He just acts more mature,” Devin Booker said of Dunn after the 109-105 win over the Lakers. “He has a mature lifestyle, his body is developed, he is strong, he is not skinny. He doesn't need to gain weight or get stronger in this regard; like his athleticism is already at an elite NBA level and he’s using it.”

We saw it firsthand as Dunn took on the challenge of guarding LeBron James, who finished the night with just 11 points on 3 of 14 shooting. Remarkably, in just his fourth career game, Dunn was defending one of the greatest players in basketball history. It was his second game against LeBron. And once again he succeeded.

However, don't expect LeOwned to give the newcomer any credit. “I was better, you can hear it in my voice,” LeBron told reporters after the game.

Ah, it was an illness that crippled LeCough, not Ryan Dunn.

Dunn's defensive tenacity is evident on plays like the one below, where the Suns' shifting defense and his late pressure on LeTurnover forced a shot clock violation. And you can see the emotion in Dunn when the mission of possession was complete.

This got the Footprint Center crowd pumped up as the Suns fought their way back into the game.

Aside from his infectious energy, Dunn's true value lies in his instinctive defensive skills. He has an excellent feel for the game and knows exactly when to let go of his man to provide crucial help in defense. We then witnessed the possession where he blocked LeBron James.

In 213 possessions so far this season, Dunn has a defensive rating of 105.5 and a net rating of +14.0.

“He's going to learn some things along the way that will make things easier,” Book continued Monday night. “But having the competition to do what you said, fighting for screens and just wanting to compete, that's the first step and he has that.”

The boy has it so far. And it's a joy to watch.