Khaman Maluach didn’t have a rookie season to write home about. But the way he’s playing in NBA Summer League right now suggests the former Duke Blue Devils freshman star could be ready to break out in the professional ranks.
Maluach is preparing for his second season with the Phoenix Suns, and he’s shining bright at the moment in Las Vegas.
The 7-foot-2 Maluach is making shots all over the floor, including from deep and from the foul line. He’s also grabbing rebounds, blocking shots and snatching steals.
Originally from South Sudan, Maluach was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Suns. He played in 46 games as a rookie, averaging 3.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game. He shot 53.3% from the field but just 23.8% from 3-point range on a small sample size. Maluach will be pushing for a bigger role in year two, and playing like this over the summer will help his cause.
The Suns do have Mark Williams to get solid minutes at center, but their size beyond that is less eye-catching, with the likes of Oso Ighodaro and Koa Peat. The Suns will likely play on the smaller side a lot with either Miles Bridges or Ryan Dunn at the 4.
Phoenix put a lot of stock into Maluach by picking him that high a year ago, though, and so he’ll get chances. If he plays anything like he is this summer, he’ll be a big boost for the Suns.
