The Phoenix Suns’ All-Star guard wasn’t likely to incite much debate as he accurately described Oso Ighodaro’s status to be “ahead of the learning curve” during Year One in the desert. But, in becoming one of the NBA’s premier cutters already, there’s perhaps one place that 2024’s No. 40 pick can be found just as frequently: behind the opposition’s defense. Seemingly equipped with built-in pick-and-roll chemistry alongside his all-world offensive teammates, Ighodaro stonewalls Dejounte Murray’s defensive progress with a back screen before immediately pivoting into a wide-open middle-of-the-floor crevice. Parlaying his teammate’s pocket pass and a running start into an unguarded path to the rim, Ighodaro outflies the New Orleans Pelicans’ defense, punishing the rim with a powerful one-handed flush. The Suns’ victory hopes were ultimately dashed by a game-sealing block on the opposition’s side, but December 5, 2024’s game nevertheless left Ighodaro with a shiny new addition to the highlight reel. In 20 minutes, the athletically-gifted big recorded four points (on two-of-two shooting), two rebounds, and one assist. · Dec 6, 2024