With the aim to prove himself again this upcoming season, Oso Ighodaro might suprise some fans and coaches
Phoenix Suns big man Oso Ighodaro is facing a major uphill battle to maintain minutes during the 2025–26 season that will be here before we know it.
Sized has been added with the additions of No. 10 overall draft pick Khaman Maluach and former Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. Oso has already used his first NBA offseason to his advantage. He understands that every second away from the court matters, and what fans see from him in the opening minutes of this upcoming season will be more important than ever.
Focused on physical development, Oso has worked tirelessly this summer to add 12 pounds of muscle and often stays late after practice to get extra reps in. He knows what’s at stake with the Suns’ revamped frontcourt and is determined to carve out a role through hustle, defense, and versatility.
For a player like Oso, who thrives on intangibles, it’s not about flash, it’s about earning trust, playing smart, and making an impact in the minutes he does get.
Oso Ighodaro said that he and Ryan Dunn are moving into “more of a leadership role” for Suns’ Summer League team in Las Vegas this year. They were the Suns’ draft picks in 2024z
Ighodaro also said he’s gained 12 pounds of muscle this offseason. pic.twitter.com/t03jUnbOoL
— DANA (@iam_DanaScott) July 8, 2025
But will Oso be used as a true big, or more of a third-string center?
He fits the mold of what many call a “tweener”, a player caught between two positions. In his case, it’s center and power forward. The real question is how he would look next to Mark Williams or Khaman Maluach coming off the bench. While it’s easy to assume he’ll slot in as a backup center or even behind someone like Dillon Brooks in certain lineups, this season could unfold differently. Oso might surprise us, and so might new Suns head coach Jordan Ott.
As Summer League head coach DeMarre Carroll noted, Ott thinks outside the box.
That mindset could be the perfect match for a versatile tweener like Oso. His ability to switch defensively, run the floor, and make quick decisions in short bursts could make him a valuable chess piece in some unconventional, even experimental, rotations. If Ott is serious about creativity and mismatches, Oso could carve out a niche by simply doing what others don’t.
“He tries to change before (the game) changes.”
Suns assistant DeMarre Carroll on new head coach Jordan Ott.
Called Ott a “mastermind,” saying he “thinks outside the box.” #Suns pic.twitter.com/husVGT3dlU
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) July 8, 2025
That’s why it’s important not to count out Oso or overlook what he might bring to the Suns this upcoming season. Just as important is how he performs in the Summer League. It will be a key opportunity to see if he’s ready, based on how he handles himself against rookies and sophomores out in Las Vegas.
If he stands out, then the Suns might have something brewing, an unexpected piece who could end up playing a bigger role than anyone anticipated.
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