How Kevin Durant’s summer training with a rookie could help improve the Suns overall depth
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evin Durant’s legacy is defined by more than just his achievements. The Phoenix Suns’ All-Star forward stands as one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, often hailed as one of the greatest offensive players ever to grace the court. Known by many monikers — Easy Money Sniper, The Slim Reaper, The Durantula — KD is also recognized for something that sets him apart: his relentless passion for the game. No matter the time of year, Durant is always on the court, refining his craft.
Over the past two summers, we’ve seen this dedication up close. Durant has made a habit of working out with a wide range of NBA players, particularly young talents looking to make their mark. His offseason camps have included rising stars like Jalen Green, Kyle Kuzma, and Jordan Poole. Okay, maybe the last guy isn’t a rising star. After all, his “basketball legacy is taken care of.”
KD is further cementing his reputation as both a competitor and mentor by conducting these sessions, as these players will one day be vets who look back at this invaluable experience and be thankful for other lessons learned.
After a summer in Paris competing in eh 2024 Paris Olympics, he remains committed to the grind. And this time, he’s brought along a new face: Ryan Dunn, the Phoenix Suns’ 28th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
In a recent video, Durant is seen working out with a host of NBA players, Dunn included.
The rookie comes with a reputation as one of the best defenders in his draft class, but he has a glaring weakness: scoring. While he excels in fast breaks and finishing at the rim, his shooting remains a concern, with subpar shooting splits to show for it.
In two seasons with the Virginia Cavaliers, Dunn shot 61.6% from the field. Because the majority of his shots weren’t jumpers. His 12-of-51 from deep (23.5%) is concerning. That isn’t much volume, so the hope is with time spent on improving this craft, there’s a chance he’ll become a rotational player. That’d be ideal, because he is one hell of a defender.
Dunn nails a stepback three over Naz Reid, a move we were hoping to see more of during Summer League. His smooth fall-away jumper, with shades of Durant, adds to the excitement. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, Dunn throws in a killer crossover, finishing with an emphatic dunk.
Watching Dunn train alongside Durant, one of the most gifted scorers the game has ever seen, sparks optimism. It’s more than just a workout; it’s an opportunity for Dunn to absorb valuable lessons from a master of offense. While they might not share significant court time this season, these sessions will undoubtedly help Dunn build chemistry with his veteran teammate and expand his offensive toolkit.
Training alongside Durant is a promising step forward on his journey, one that could significantly impact the Suns’ depth. Working out with one of the greatest offensive players in history offers Dunn more than just the opportunity to hone his scoring skills; it allows him to absorb the nuances of positioning, shot selection, and pacing that make Durant a game-changer. As Dunn sharpens his offensive skills, he not only improves his own game but becomes a more versatile asset for the Suns, who are striving for more balance across their roster.
Durant’s mentorship will likely help Dunn build the confidence to take on greater offensive responsibility, complementing his elite defense. With the Suns aiming for a deep playoff run, having a young, two-way player capable of stepping up when needed could be the difference in critical moments. This growth doesn’t just benefit Dunn. It strengthens the entire team’s versatility, adding a layer of unpredictability to their lineups and providing valuable depth behind the Suns’ superstar core.
