Royce O’Neale: Experience Remains His Steady Heartbeat

At 32 years old, Royce O’Neale stands out as the oldest member of the Phoenix Suns, entering his ninth season in the NBA. Throughout his career, O’Neale has demonstrated remarkable consistency and reliability. Since his debut in the 2017-18 season, he has played 600 regular-season games, ranking third in the league. Only Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes have played more games during this period.

O’Neale’s Consistent Shooting

O’Neale’s shooting ability has remained stable, hitting a minimum of 35.6% from three-point range in each season. His scoring has steadily improved over the years, culminating in his best season to date last year. He averaged 9.1 points per game with shooting splits of 42.3% from the field, 40.6% from beyond the arc, and 73.1% from the free-throw line.

Current Season Performance

This season, O’Neale has started strong. In the first seven games, he is averaging a career-high 12.7 points per game. His three-point shooting has also excelled, with a rate of 42.4%. Notably, he has increased his attempts to 8.4 per game, showcasing his confidence and ability to contribute offensively.

Defensive Contributions

In addition to his scoring, O’Neale shines on the defensive end. He is averaging 1.7 steals per game, contributing significantly to the Suns’ defense. His performance against rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama was particularly noteworthy, as he played a key role in limiting Wembanyama’s impact early in the season.

Increased Role and Minutes

This season has seen the Suns facing some roster challenges, leading to increased minutes for O’Neale. He is currently averaging 32.7 minutes per game, a career high. This increase has allowed him to maximize his scoring potential and further establish his value to the team.

Future Considerations

• O’Neale’s consistent performance makes him a valuable asset as a three-point shooter and defender.
• His improvement could enhance his trade value should the Suns consider such options in the future.
• As the Suns’ roster stabilizes with the return of players like Jalen Green, O’Neale’s role will be worth monitoring.

Royce O’Neale’s steady performance is becoming a heartbeat for the Phoenix Suns, both as a shooter and leader on the court. As the season progresses, maintaining his consistency will be crucial for his team’s success.