Ryan Dunn Earned Increased Phoenix Suns Preseason Minutes
The forward has secured a larger role in the rotation than Rasheer Fleming during the 2026 preseason games.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Should your local sports team prioritize developing young bench players over immediate game results?
Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn has gained significant playing time throughout the team's first three preseason games. He is currently being utilized in the rotation ahead of his teammate Rasheer Fleming.
Why it matters
The Suns are using these preseason contests to evaluate their roster depth and player development ahead of the upcoming regular season. Coaching decisions made now will influence the team's rotation strategy throughout the year.
Ryan Dunn averaged 4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, while Rasheer Fleming averaged 2 points and 4 rebounds on 18.2% shooting. Dunn has logged 19.4 minutes per game compared to Fleming's 19.1 minutes.
The players
Ryan Dunn
He is a professional basketball player currently competing for a spot in the Phoenix Suns forward rotation.
Rasheer Fleming
He is a professional athlete competing with Ryan Dunn for minutes within the Phoenix Suns roster.
Koa Peat
He is a player within the Phoenix Suns organization who may see increased opportunities if the primary forward rotation does not improve.
The details
While Dunn has seen more floor time, he has yet to record a made three-pointer during his 2026 preseason appearances. The Suns continue to monitor their forward group, with Koa Peat remaining an option should current players struggle or face injuries.
Timeline
The Phoenix Suns play the San Antonio Spurs on October 14, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The competition for forward minutes mirrors a standard preseason battle for roster spots and hierarchy within an NBA rotation. Determining these roles now is critical for the Suns as they attempt to balance immediate depth with long-term player development for the 2026 season.
Ryan Dunn's edge in minutes over Rasheer Fleming suggests a more secure spot in the immediate rotation for the early season. Fantasy basketball managers and fans should monitor the final two preseason games to see if this trend holds or if Fleming's 18.2% shooting forces a shift.
The takeaway
Preseason roles are rarely final and often subject to rapid change based on coaching evaluations and performance metrics. Fans should prioritize consistency in shooting and defensive output when projecting which players will earn the most meaningful minutes this year.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, check the Phoenix Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
Live Poll
Should your local sports team prioritize developing young bench players over immediate game results?
