Phoenix Suns: The new 'bad boys' of the NBA?

The Phoenix Suns are getting ready for the 2025-26 season by embracing a particular identity: that of the NBA villain. This narrative ignited after the trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets and brought Dillon Brooks in return, a player who, beyond his offensive stats, 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 the 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 in 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, though no names were given. The mystery sparks a debate on which young player could become his apprentice in this new culture of aggression. 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 like his 22 points against Minnesota. This breakout earned him a full contract and the trust of Jordan Ott. However, his playmaking profile and efficient shooting seem more suitable for solidifying his role in the rotation rather than embodying the toughness of a villain.

Oso Ighodaro
With a debut season that was uneven but filled with glimpses of potential, Ighodaro contributed rebounds and energy in the paint. With Durant's departure, he might 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 comes with defensive pedigree from Duke, where his rugged style fit perfectly into the role of the "villain" in the ACC. Now, with more muscle and a clear focus on physical work, Maluach appears as a natural candidate to inherit that label. His ability to intimidate in the paint and raise collective intensity aligns with the mindset that Brooks aims to instill.

Ryan Dunn
Among all the options, Dunn seems the best positioned. His production as a rookie, 44 starts, and influence on young teammates make him an emerging leader. Moreover, 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 could be that link between the veterans and the new generation of Suns with a villainous mentality.

In Phoenix, they no longer talk about reconstruction but about identity. With Brooks leading the way and several young players willing to follow, the Suns seem determined to unsettle, provoke, and wear down their opponents. Perhaps they are not the title favorites, but they are definitely the team that no one will want to face night after night.

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