The Growth of Oso Ighodaro in the Phoenix Suns’ Center Depth

Competition can bring out the best in a player, and that’s exactly what has been happening with Phoenix Suns second-year center Oso Ighodaro. Known for his calm demeanor and even-keeled approach, Ighodaro has become a valuable asset to the team.

Early in the season, Ighodaro showcased his potential with a +52 net rating during the Suns’ victory over the Indiana Pacers in November. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. In December, he found himself in a conflict with teammate Dillon Brooks during a game against the Golden State Warriors. Despite this, there have been clear signs of improvement, especially in recent performances.

During a 129-102 win against the Sacramento Kings, Ighodaro stood out as the best center on the floor. He finished with 15 points, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. His improved ball-handling, which was evident during the summer league, made a significant impact. Ighodaro attacked downhill and demonstrated a physical advantage over the Kings’ rookie center, Maxime Raynaud.

After the game, Ighodaro entered the press conference room with confidence, knowing he was ready to face any opponent. This confidence is partly due to the strong center depth on the Suns roster.

“I think we just have a great, versatile group,” Ighodaro said. “I think we all have our strengths and weaknesses, and we’ve pushed each other even in the summer in training camp, just competing against each other.”

Each player brings different skills to the table. For instance, Mark Williams excels in certain areas, while Nick Richards is a strong rebounder and physically dominant. Playing against such varied big men helps each player grow.

“Just no egos,” Ighodaro added, highlighting the team’s collaborative spirit.

The Influence of Teammates and Coaches

Teammates like Dillon Brooks have encouraged Ighodaro to be more assertive, while others have offered support. Head coach Jordan Ott has played a crucial role in shaping Ighodaro’s development. Ott has high expectations but remains realistic. He wants Ighodaro to be more assertive, particularly on the defensive end.

Ott emphasized the importance of being disruptive when switching on screen and rolls. This was a positive turnaround after a tough performance in Cleveland on New Year’s Eve.

“In Cleveland, we felt their bigs, who brought size and contributions on both ends. Tonight, we dominated the big battle,” Ott said. “They are often underrated in the NBA, going through every single action on both ends of the floor. We’re lucky to have multiple players who bring different skills to what we need.”

A Test Against the Oklahoma City Thunder

The Suns will have an opportunity for redemption against the Oklahoma City Thunder after suffering a 49-point loss during the NBA Cup quarterfinals. While the team’s identity remains consistent, players like Ighodaro could be the difference maker.

If Ighodaro can gain confidence in handling the ball with the second unit and combine that with his playmaking abilities, it could lead to a more spread-out offense. Facing the NBA’s top team will require him to be aggressive and confident in every move he makes. It seems that Ighodaro is making these strides at the right time.