Phoenix Suns 10th overall pick Khaman Maluach poses with general manager Brian Gregory at rookie introductory press conference in Scottsdale Monday. (Photo by Dylan Kane/Cronkite News)
PHOENIX – Phoenix general manager Brian Gregory went into this offseason looking to improve on the team’s lackluster rim protection. Not only did he address that need in a trade for Mark Williams, but also, with the acquisition of another former Duke player: 7-foot-2-inch center Khaman Maluach.
Through two practices, Suns coach Jordan Ott likes what he sees from the rookie.
“Just the overall size and rim protection, you can feel it every second he’s out there,” Ott said. “We’re learning more about him, but he’s been great.”
Ott, who was a Cleveland assistant coach last season, helped guide a roster that featured two rim protectors in Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, who was last season’s Defensive Player of the Year. Allen and Mobley have been integral to Cleveland’s success and path to last year’s Eastern Conference No. 1 seed.
With the additions of Williams and Maluach, the Suns could be looking to go in a similar direction in Phoenix. Ott said every option is on the table when it comes to the pair sharing the court.
Last season, the Suns allowed the fourth-highest field goal percentage from less than 5 feet away from the basket. It is a stat that contributed to their 27th ranked defense and 36-46 record.
“Khaman was No. 1 on our list if available,” Gregory said. “I think defensively we have a chance to become very good.”
After the ninth pick, when it became clear Maluach would be available for Phoenix, Gregory said there was a burst of excitement in the draft room. The Suns were hopeful, and as the 10th pick inched closer, it became increasingly clear that Phoenix would be drafting its top target.
Last year, a collection of centers suited up for the Suns: Jusuf Nurkic, Mason Plumlee, Nick Richards and Oso Ighodaro. However, none of those players provide the rim protecting archetype that Gregory was after this offseason. But Maluach fits that description, and if there is one skill that can translate to the NBA right away, it has been defending the rim.
Victor Wembanyama, Walker Kessler, Zach Edey and Donovan Clingan are among the centers that have come into the NBA and made an instant impact defensively. Given the opportunities Maluach will have to play next season, it is possible for him to showcase that skill early on in his NBA career.
In his lone season at Duke, Maluach starred as a defensive presence. He was one of the top shot blockers in the ACC, averaging 1.3 per game, and a key contributor to the Blue Devils’ run to the Final Four. Maluach is ready to bring those strong defensive instincts to Phoenix.
“(Defense is) going to have an impact right away,” Maluach said. “It’s about being impactful whether or not you have the ball in your hands.”
Maluach provides the Suns with a fresh start. Phoenix has prioritized scoring in its roster construction around Devin Booker in the past few seasons. With Kevin Durant now off to Houston, and more change potentially to follow, the Suns are not only reshaping their roster but also their identity.
Maluach’s first opportunity to show Suns fans what they can expect from him in his rookie season will come in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas from Friday to July 20.
“Just being able to be a pro for the first time, “Maluach said. “Being able to do the small stuff on and off the basketball court.”
For Maluach, the “small stuff” includes taking care of his body and staying available. He will soon be able to enact those habits with his first professional opportunity as an NBA player approaches.
DeMarre Carroll – a former NBA player for 11 seasons – will coach the Suns’ Summer League team. Like Ott, Carroll has been impressed with Maluach’s defensive ability.
“Khaman’s been great,” Carroll said. “The biggest thing he’s been bringing to practice that I love is his communication skills. The ceiling is very high for him.”
Suns forward Ryan Dunn said Maluach is “special” for an 18-year-old. Maluach will be 19 once the NBA regular season starts in October.
The Suns will play four games in Las Vegas – barring playoff qualification. Their campaign begins Friday as they take on the Washington Wizards.
After being drafted by the Suns, Maluach shared a moment he had with Devin Booker at the Paris Olympics last summer. Booker told Maluach he would see him next year given his upward trajectory as a player.
Booker will now be seeing even more of Maluach as the Suns aim to turn things around.