Royce O’Neale, at 32 years old, is the oldest member of the Phoenix Suns. As he enters his ninth season in the NBA, O’Neale stands out for his consistency and reliability. He has played 600 regular-season games since joining the league in the 2017-18 season, ranking third overall behind Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes.
Consistency on the Court
O’Neale has maintained a shooting percentage of at least 35.6% from three-point range throughout his NBA career. His scoring averages have improved steadily each season, culminating in his best performance yet last year. He averaged 9.1 points per game (PPG) with shooting splits of 42.3% from the field, 40.6% from three, and 73.1% from the free-throw line.
Strong Start to Current Season
The current season has seen O’Neale step up his game even further. Through the first seven games, he is averaging a career-high 12.7 PPG with an impressive 42.4% shooting from beyond the arc. His attempts per game have also risen to 8.4, setting a record for most three-pointers made at the start of a season in Suns history.
- Games Played: 7
- Points per Game: 12.7
- Three-Point Percentage: 42.4%
- Three-Point Attempts (TPA): 8.4
- Steals per Game: 1.7
- Minutes per Game: 32.7
Defensive Impact and Leadership
O’Neale has been vital on the defensive end as well, averaging a career-high 1.7 steals per game. His performance was instrumental in limiting Victor Wembanyama’s effectiveness during a recent match against the Suns. Furthermore, with the team dealing with injuries and missing key players, O’Neale’s minutes have increased significantly, allowing him to showcase his skills.
Having a dependable three-point shooter and a solid defender like O’Neale, especially in a young team like the Suns, adds great value. Should his performance remain consistent, he could become an important trade asset as the season progresses. As the team recovers and brings back its stars, it’s crucial for O’Neale to maintain his productive play.
