Oso Ighodaro is starting; is that a good thing?

The Phoenix Suns recently promoted Oso Ighodaro into the starting lineup for their Thursday victory against the Orlando Magic. Writer Mark Bowser argues that starting Ighodaro is the right decision for Phoenix, citing his ability to stabilize a struggling defense while giving 20-year-old rookie center Khaman Maluach the necessary time to develop off the bench without facing undue pressure.

With Mark Williams sidelined well into 2027, the writer emphasizes that Ighodaro's strong on/off defensive rating and overall offensive connectivity provide an immediate positive impact. Bowser contends that bringing Maluach along slowly in 15 to 20-minute bursts protects his long-term progression while allowing Ighodaro to anchor the current starting group.