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By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News
LAS VEGAS — With three seconds left against Oklahoma City, Phoenix Suns power forward David Roddy headed to the line after being fouled and sunk his three free throws, sealing the team’s first NBA Summer League win in Las Vegas on Wednesday night. He finished the victory with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists, but more important than his performance this offseason is his influence on his younger teammates.
Two years ago, Roddy was a rookie at Summer League after the Memphis Grizzlies drafted him 23rd overall. Then, the Colorado State product became the Suns’ youngest player on the roster last season after being traded to the team in February. During his third run in Las Vegas, he was the Summer League veteran that the Suns rookies relied on for his experience and advice.
Two-way Suns rookie Jalen Bridges is one teammate who is looking up to Roddy during his transition from Baylor to the NBA. He averaged 10.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and one assist, while shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range.
“What I’m trying to do right now is kind of lean on him (Roddy), asking him questions, picking his brain a little bit, just using him as a young vet,” Bridges said after Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Roddy, who averaged 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists, noted that he has taken on leadership roles his whole life and will continue to help guide players for as long as he can.
“The games are moving 1,000 miles an hour; just try to play at your pace, even though it might be a little bit fast in the beginning,” Roddy said on his advice to younger players during Summer League.
Before Summer League began, Suns rookie Oso Ighodaro had yet to meet or play with many of his teammates. “It was really different, just coming in and not even knowing each other’s names,” he admitted.
Leading up to the 2024 NBA Draft, the Suns needed a new big man to join 7-foot center Jusuf Nurkic, and the University of Marquette product, standing at 6-foot-10, appeared to be the answer to the team’s prayers.
Despite his low scoring average, Ighodaro played a crucial role throughout the tournament with his sharp passing skills and ability to make winning plays.
“As a team, we played hard, you know, we got the ball moving,” Ighodaro said.
Watching the games, fans would never know the Suns’ players were mere strangers before hitting the court in Las Vegas. The team chemistry appeared effortless, and the players worked well alongside coach Vince Legarza.
The Suns lost their first two games before scoring two consecutive wins but lost their final game Saturday against the Sacramento Kings, 87-77.
Ryan Dunn, the team’s first-round pick, was absent from Saturday’s game due to left knee soreness. He finished averaging 5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
With Dunn playing for the Suns this upcoming season, Roddy will no longer be the youngest man on the roster. Last season, after heading to the Valley, Roddy didn’t have much time or opportunity to showcase his skills. Following his growth throughout Summer League this year, Roddy is looking forward to returning to Phoenix and taking on a more prominent role with the Suns.
But first, the young hooper is excited for some downtime before the 2024-25 NBA season begins in October.
“Phoenix is my favorite city. So just enjoying the heat a little bit and just spending time with my family,” Roddy said on his post-Summer League plans.
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