Royce O’Neale Enjoys Career-Best Start with Phoenix Suns

Phoenix, Arizona — At 32 years old, Royce O’Neale is not only the oldest member of the Phoenix Suns but also having the best start of his career. As the team heads into its ninth NBA season, O’Neale has emerged as a key player, demonstrating remarkable consistency and reliability on the court.

O’Neale has played 600 regular-season games since joining the league in the 2017-18 season, ranking third in the NBA for games played during that span, behind Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes. His shooting has been impressive as well, maintaining at least 35.6% from three-point range in each season.

Last season, O’Neale averaged 9.1 points per game, showcasing shooting splits of 42.3% from the field, 40.6% from three-point range, and 73.1% from the free-throw line. This season, O’Neale has significantly stepped up his performance. In the first seven games, he is averaging a career-high 12.7 points per game with an impressive 42.4% shooting from beyond the arc. Moreover, he is attempting an average of 8.4 three-point shots per game, setting a record for the most three-pointers made at the start of a season in Suns history.

Defensively, O’Neale continues to excel, averaging a career-high 1.7 steals per game. His defensive efforts were critical in limiting rookie standout Victor Wembanyama’s impact during a recent match against the Suns.

The Suns have faced challenges this season due to injuries among key players, resulting in increased minutes for O’Neale. He is currently averaging 32.7 minutes per game, allowing him to showcase his skills further. This has established him as a significant asset for the team as they navigate this season.

Having a dependable three-point shooter and a solid defender like O’Neale adds great value to a young Suns team. If his performance remains consistent, he could become an important trade asset as the season progresses. As the team prepares to welcome back its stars, maintaining this level of play will be crucial for O’Neale’s future and the Suns’ overall success.