Ryan Dunn

Dunn is an American forward who reached the NBA through the 2024 draft after a two-year career at Virginia defined by elite defensive metrics. Selected 28th overall by the Denver Nuggets and immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns, he entered the league with a reputation as one of the best defensive prospects in his class.

Born Ryan Christian Dunn on January 7, 2003, he grew up in Baldwin, Nassau County, New York. He initially attended Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, where he played on the school's third basketball team. After his sophomore year, he transferred to Long Island Lutheran High School and averaged nine points and four assists as a junior.

Dunn enrolled at the Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, for a postgraduate year. He averaged 11.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 38 steals, and 30 blocks in 27 games, leading Perkiomen to its first-ever state title appearance. He was rated a four-star recruit and committed to Virginia over Minnesota, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, Oklahoma State, and Georgetown.

At Virginia, Dunn was a key bench player as a freshman, averaging 2.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 31 games. As a sophomore, he raised his averages to 8.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. He declared for the 2024 NBA draft and was widely considered the best defensive player available.

The Nuggets selected Dunn 28th overall on June 26, 2024, and traded him to Phoenix along with the 56th overall pick and future second-rounders for the 22nd overall pick. He signed with the Suns on July 2, 2024, and made his NBA debut on October 23, recording two points, two rebounds, a steal, and a block in nine minutes. He made his first start three days later and scored 13 points against Dallas.

The Suns moved Dunn into the starting lineup in January 2025, and on January 16, he recorded his first career double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds against Washington. On April 11, he scored a career-high 26 points and tied his career high with 11 rebounds in a win over San Antonio. Dunn is the younger brother of Major League Baseball pitcher Justin Dunn.

Dunn functions as a defensive-oriented wing with elite shot-blocking timing for his position, rebounding instincts, and transition finishing. His two-year stay at Virginia showcased a player who could anchor a college defense while contributing offensively in limited roles. In the NBA, his development centers on three-point consistency, offensive creation, and maintaining his defensive intensity against elite wing scorers.