Phoenix Suns: The new 'bad boys' of the NBA?
The Arizona franchise boasts young talents with a determined attitude to do everything to win, in addition to the arrival of Dillon Brooks, the quintessential villain.
The Phoenix Suns are gearing up for the 2025-26 season by embracing a particular identity: that of the NBA villain. This narrative was sparked by the trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets and brought Dillon Brooks in, a player who, beyond his offensive numbers, has built his reputation around his defensive intensity and constant confrontation.
"I had to look at myself in the mirror and ask how I could be valued," confessed Brooks during media day. "My physical style of play, in the face of the opponent, is what gave me that villain role."
Now, as one of the veterans on a revamped roster, Brooks not only brings his energy but also seeks to spread it. According to him, there is already a "junior villain" in the locker room, although no names have been mentioned. The mystery opens up the debate on which young player could become his apprentice within this new culture of aggressiveness. Who could be the "junior villain" of the Suns?
Collin Gillespie
The guard surprised at the end of last season, earning minutes after Bradley Beal's injury and delivering impactful performances, such as his 22 points against Minnesota. This breakthrough earned him a full contract and Jordan Ott's trust. However, his playmaking and efficient shooting profile seem more suited to solidifying his role in the rotation rather than embodying the toughness of a villain.
Oso Ighodaro
With a first season that was irregular but full of flashes, Ighodaro contributed rebounds and energy in the paint. With Durant's departure, he may have more prominence and seize the opportunity to impose physical presence. His work ethic, reflected in a summer of relentless preparation, and the training battles against Brooks could bring him closer to that secondary villain role.
Khaman Maluach
The rookie big man arrives with a defensive pedigree from Duke, where his gritty style fit perfectly in the role of "villain" in the ACC. Now, with more muscle and a clear focus on physical work, Maluach emerges as a natural candidate to inherit that label. His ability to intimidate in the paint and elevate collective intensity aligns with the mindset Brooks aims to establish.
Ryan Dunn
Among all the options, Dunn appears to be the best positioned. His production as a rookie, 44 starts, and influence on young teammates make him an emerging leader. Furthermore, he has embraced Ott's defensive philosophy and the aggression preached by Brooks. With a voice in the locker room and commitment on the court, Dunn can be the link between the veterans and the new generation of Suns with a villain mentality.
In Phoenix, the talk is no longer about reconstruction but about identity. With Brooks leading the way and several young players willing to follow, the Suns seem determined to discomfort, provoke, and wear down their opponents. They may not be the title favorites, but they are undoubtedly the team no one will want to face night after night.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Phoenix Suns: ¿Los nuevos "bad boys" de la NBA?
