Phoenix Roots and Community Focus
Oso Ighodaro brought it back to where it all began. The Phoenix Suns big man held a free youth basketball camp on Aug. 22 at Pecos Community Center in Phoenix, a place he frequented as a kid. Nearly 50 kids ages 11-14 from Jr. Suns/Jr. Phoenix Mercury leagues participated in fundamental skills and NBA-inspired drills, which began with breathing exercises and meditation. "It's super special, just at a place that I came to growing up," Ighodaro said. He emphasized the importance of mindfulness: "Breathing exercises might be the first step in that. We didn't want to push it on them too hard, but just to maybe create awareness, and it might be a little nugget that carries on."
Offseason Moves and Roster Overhaul
Ighodaro expressed excitement about the team's offseason additions, which include first-round pick Koa Peat, Miles Bridges acquired via trade, and Luke Kennard signed in free agency. The Suns traded Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and a 2033 unprotected first-round pick to Charlotte for Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick. Both Peat and Ighodaro are Valley products, and they have worked out together under trainer Chuck Howard.
On Last Season and His Role
Ighodaro entered his third NBA season after appearing in all 82 games last year, one of 18 players to do so, averaging 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 22 minutes per game. His shooting remains a focus: he attempted 87.5% of shots inside 10 feet and shot 45.3% from the free-throw line, a drop from his rookie mark of 58%. He has not hit a 3-pointer in his career. "I've been spending a lot of time on expanding my range," Ighodaro said, adding "You'll have to wait and see."
His role, according to what he told The Arizona Republic, is to be a connector offensively and defensively, and he plans to be more aggressive. He also aims to embrace a leadership role, describing himself as "a quarterback on the floor." He is in a competitive center group alongside Mark Williams and Khaman Maluach.
Expectations for the 2026-27 Suns
The Suns won 45 games in 2025-26 and made the playoffs; they open the upcoming season at Portland on Oct. 21. Ighodaro acknowledged outside doubters, but he insisted the focus is internal. "From the outside, I would assume probably not much — but from us, the same as last year," he told the Republic. "We want to compete in the playoffs and compete for a championship. The second-year coach Jordan Ott is building on the success, and Ighodaro's third-year improvement could be a key."