How Suns’ center depth has unlocked Oso Ighodaro’s confidence

PHOENIX – Competition can bring out the best in a player on the basketball court—just ask Phoenix Suns second-year center Oso Ighodaro. Known for his even-keeled and calm demeanor, Ighodaro has proven to be a major asset to the Suns’ roster.

Earlier this season, he posted an impressive +52 net rating during the Suns’ dominant win over the Indiana Pacers in November. However, some of that intensity unraveled in December during a heated exchange with teammate Dillon Brooks against the Golden State Warriors. While consistency has been a challenge, signs of noticeable improvement are evident.

In the Suns’ recent 129-102 victory over the Sacramento Kings, Ighodaro was undoubtedly the best center on the floor. He finished the game with 15 points, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Notably, the improved ball-handling he showcased during the summer league also made an appearance. Ighodaro attacked downhill and clearly demonstrated the physical advantage he holds over the Kings’ rookie center, Maxime Raynaud.

Speaking at the postgame press conference, Ighodaro expressed confidence in his readiness to face any center, attributing much of his growth to the competition he faces in practice.

“I think we just have a great, versatile group,” Ighodaro said regarding the Suns’ center depth. “We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and we push each other—even during the summer and training camp, just competing against each other. Each time you’re playing against someone else, it’s a different layer of bigs. Mark [Williams] is good at certain things. Nick [Richards] is obviously a really good rebounder and physical. Playing against all these different types of bigs just gets the most out of each other. Just no egos.”

Ighodaro’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by his teammates. Players like Dillon Brooks have been encouraging him to be more assertive, especially on defense, while others continue to provide support and motivation.

Head coach Jordan Ott walked a fine line in his postgame remarks, emphasizing his high yet realistic expectations for Ighodaro. Ott wants to see more assertiveness on the defensive end, similar to what Brooks brings, but also stresses the importance of being disruptive during screen-and-roll switches.

“Switching on screen and rolls is one thing, but being disruptive on the switch is a completely separate entity,” Ott said. Reflecting on Friday night’s game, he added, “In Cleveland, we felt their bigs—bringing size and contributions on both ends. Tonight we dominated the big battle. Bigs often get underrated in the NBA. They are involved in every action on both ends of the floor. We’re lucky to have multiple bigs who bring different skills to what we need.”

Looking ahead, Sunday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder will serve as a strong test for Ighodaro. The Suns will be seeking redemption after suffering a 49-point defeat during the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the same team.

While the squad’s identity remains consistent, players like Ighodaro could prove to be crucial difference-makers. If he can confidently put the ball on the floor with the second unit and combine that with his playmaking abilities, it could open the door for a more versatile and spread-out offense.

Facing one of the NBA’s top teams, Ighodaro will need to be aggressive and trust every move he makes. Fortunately, it seems he is making those strides at just the right time for the Suns.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/phoenix-suns/how-suns-center-depth-unlocked-oso-ighodaro-confidence

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