Very few members of the Phoenix Suns have as much riding on the 2026-27 season as Ryan Dunn.

Dunn, 23, is entering his third season with the organization after coming to Phoenix as the 29th overall pick in the 2024 draft. 

The Virginia product has seen a mixed bag of results over his first two seasons, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

Despite this, now is not the time to mash the panic button. There's still time for the former first-round selection to find his way, and the first four games of preseason play is a prime example of this.

Phoenix's second-year head coach has already shown much faith in Dunn in the past, including in placing him in the starting lineup to begin last season. 

The work that Dunn is putting in over the offseason seems to be reflecting in regaining favor with the coach, who made his thoughts on the wing very clear following Wednesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs.

"He's had a great camp so far. I'm sure it will continue because of the way he works." 

The Suns already exercised the fifth-year option on Dunn this offseason, but he still faces pressure to perform, especially under the guise of competing with Rasheer Fleming for a major role. 

Dunn's 15-point, 6-for-6 shooting showing on Wednesday is seemingly putting the final touches on earning a second-string role, but there's still other ways that Ott can unlock a different level of his game in 2026-27.

One of the most obvious aspects of Dunn's development is that he shouldn't be banished to the corner a majority of the time.

While the 6'7" forward can be a serviceable shooter in doses, he is a phenomenal athlete that should be the subject of more off-ball usage. This includes in racing down the court in transition, cutting to the hoop, or crashing the offensive glass. His substantial frame and athleticism should translate to more opportunities at the rim - regardless of situation. 

Beyond this, there is still room for his three-point shooting and playmaking capabilities to improve. Time will tell if these actually translate, but playing alongside Luke Kennard and potentially Miles Bridges should be a positive for his long-term trajectory.

Expect to see a significant dosage of Dunn minutes on Friday night against the Utah Jazz.