Ryan Dunn is honing his confidence level as he moves into his second year with the Suns

PHOENIX– If you had told Ryan Dunn he would have started 44 out of 74 games with Phoenix Suns during his rookie season, he probably would have been honored and grateful, but not really surprised.

Playing alongside Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant is not for the faint of heart. Competing with potential Hall of Famers and being challenged every day can be exhausting.

However, it was one the Virginia standout was proud of. Guys like Durant and Beal talked about his enthusiasm, defensive intangibles and infectious energy. Also, Booker said Dunn was one of the rookies who didn’t play like a rookie.

During the media day, Dunn revealed how he unlocked his next level of success with the Suns. Fast forward to nine games into the season, and then his response remains the same.

Confidence.

I spoke exclusively to Ryan Dunn before the game:

When asked about growing confidence, trusting guys like Devin Booker, camaraderie with young players and his faith. pic.twitter.com/k3RidEROnF

— Hayden Cilley (@HaidenCilley) November 7, 2025

“Like we talked about before, from last year I went into this year and training camp just believing in the work that I put in and being able to grow and just trusting in the process of what I’ve been doing and not living with what’s good or bad either,” Dunn said in an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints before Thursday’s game.

“I’m just improving trying to get better every day. I think it’s been good. Starting this season, I’ve had some ups and downs, but I still believe in myself, because I’m coming here. These guys in this locker room have helped me a lot.”

Ryan Dunn’s confidence is being noted by many Suns players and coaches

One of the first to witness an increase in self-confidence was Booker. During the tumultuous 2024-25 season, he always is pointed to Dan as one of the foundational pieces.

Even if the offensive game wasn’t fully developed, the defense, hustle and sheer willpower more than made up for it. Not to mention, he was constantly paired with the opposing team’s best offensive player.

That point was emphasized during Sunday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs. Dunn raved about the match with Victor Vembanyama throughout the game.

Granted, he wasn’t matched with the center all game, but there were moments where the sophomore held his own. Physicality, angles and communication with teammates on help-defense showed.

But perhaps the biggest jump has been the offensive assertiveness that Dunn has shown. In the third quarter, he challenged Vembanyama to the basket and drew a foul. Such a thing might not have happened before the season.

While it surprises others, Booker knew he was in it as soon as he returned from the off-season break.

“He’s more aggressive,” Booker said after the Suns’ 130-118 win over the Spurs. “I think he was good tonight from 3. He’s pretty cautious.

“He’s been here all summer, him and all the young guys. I came back and I wasn’t ready for what I walked into. It looked like he didn’t take a day off. So I was excited to see him come out here and show it.”

Connection factors in the creation of trust

The vibes in the locker room show pure camaraderie and a sense of growth and understanding. Guys like Dunn, Oso Ighodaro, Mark Williams and Collin Gillespie are in unique positions.

Some were not as healthy as Williams. Others waited for a legitimate opportunity, like Gillespie and Ighodar. But this is where Dunn falls into the fold.

During the season, the latter and Williams were in each other’s ear during media coverage and on the hardwood. Funny enough, when he spoke with Dunn before Thursday’s game, the starting center looked on while being interviewed.

That friendship shows a connection that wasn’t present last season. However, that doesn’t mean veterans don’t enjoy the fun, too. That balance is integral to simply increasing his understanding of the game and his delivery.

“I mean, we’re all the same age, which is really fun. We’ve all been through the same things; People who’ve been in the league maybe 3 or 4 years or people who’ve been here like 9 or 10 years, we can all talk about things,” Dunn said.

“For me, it helps that there’s that line between us, asking the veteran guys, the older guys, so I can help the younger guys along the way. That’s something me and Oso (Ighodaro) wanted to do this year.”

Jordan Ott shows pure confidence in Ryan Dunn

Unlike Jordan Ott’s predecessor, Mike Budenholzer, there is a high level of trust between the first-year coach and the new star. Yes, Dan will continue to make mistakes offensively and defensively, as all players do.

But that trait could be just the thing to help unlock Dunn’s true potential as a two-way player.

His teammates instilled confidence in him last year. Dan has confidence in himself because of repetition. But he seemed to lose confidence in Budenholzer when he struggled offensively.

Ott, who can help Dunn put the pieces of the mental puzzle together, seems to be the most underrated element.

In fact, the Phoenix head coach knew a breakthrough was on the way, but continues to rave about how Dunn is doing self-confidence instilled confidence in everyone around you.

“The biggest way to build confidence is to prepare, and he put in the work,” Ott said after that Sunday’s game. “You can fake it for a while, but in this league, when you’re on the floor, mano-a-mano every night, if you haven’t put in the time, the work, chances are it’s not sustainable.”

“Not only do you have to prepare to build your confidence, but when a teammate like that (Devin Booker) throws the ball, it means he has confidence in him, too.”