The Phoenix Suns finally have a franchise center.
No, this is not in reference to their 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Khaman Maluach. Mark Williams has made an immediate impact, and it’s okay to think of him as your franchise center… for now. This is a good problem to have.
Did we expect Khaman to be the 4th string center behind Williams, Ighodaro, and Richards entering this season? Probably not! It’s not the end of the world, and more common for rookies to wait their turn than you’d think in this instant gratification society we live in.
Khaman Maluach’s time will come. It may not be tomorrow. It may not be next week. Hell, it may not even be next month. But at some time this season, the Suns are going to count on their rookie big man to provide impactful minutes in games and moments that count.
So far, Maluach has played a total of 49 minutes across 11 appearances. He has compiled 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks, 1 assist, and 5 turnovers on 4-of-10 shooting. Comparison is the thief of joy, so let’s not focus on what some of his fellow rookies are doing just yet. He was always going to require development.
Maluach has played four games for the Valley Suns, averaging 14.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks on 55% shooting in 28.8 minutes per game.
His latest G League outing should encourage Suns fans. Maluach logged 35 minutes and put up 27 points on 10-of-14 shooting. He missed his lone three, but he hauled in 15 rebounds, six of them offensive, rejected four shots, and even tossed in an assist.
Most rookies in NBA history have had to wait their turn. It’s only this social media era that convinces people that a player should dominate from day one. Growth takes time. Development is work. And patience still matters in sports, even if the online world hates to admit it.
Phoenix sent him to the G League because that’s the system. It’s not punishment. It’s development. The reps matter. That’s why the G League exists. You use it, you lean on it, and you let the kid breathe.
It’s nice he has good “vets” to lean on as he develops as well. And yes, I’m referring to 23-year-old Mark Williams as a “vet” on this youthful team.
Head coach Jordan Ott put it plainly when asked if Maluach’s big G League night meant NBA minutes were coming soon. “It’s a long runway. We’re not going to judge on one or two games.” That’s the right approach. That’s the adult approach.
His time will certainly come. Nick Richards could be dealt before the trade deadline, and we all know Mark Williams’ track record with missing time. In a perfect world, Williams stays healthy and breaks the mold so they can continue to take their time developing him.
If not, Khaman becomes the “break glass if emergency” option and will be thrown right into the fire. He needs to be prepared for that, and these assignments are a great start, so he can play through the growing pains and get some film to break down with the staff.
Patience isn’t exciting, but it’s how real players are built. The Suns know that. And fans should remind themselves of it too. Soon enough, he will be out there impacting games for the Suns.