Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
GLENDALE – The Phoenix Suns are taking Tuesday’s game vs. the Dallas Mavericks to honor their rookie center’s heritage. 19-year-old Khaman Maluach hasn’t gotten a lot of run this season for the franchise, but general manager Brian Gregory and his staff knew he would be a project. While he progresses everyday, Maluach’s worke ethic and personality has shine through to his head coach Jordan Ott and his teammates.
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The organization is honoring Maluach and his hertiage by giving away 5,000 custom jerseys to fans for Tuesday’s game that contain the flag colors of South Sudan and Uganda.
Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The night will be special for fans and the young center that has uplifted his life the last two years coming to the states. It would be an understandable if Maluach needed an adjustment period. However, Ott is just so impressed with how much Maluach has grown since joining the franchise.
Ott on Maluach’s growth this season:
Maluach has only appeared in 22 games and averaging 1.1 points and 0.9 rebounds. The Suns center rotation was fierce with the arrival of starting center Mark Williams and two returners in Oso Ighodaro and Nick Richards. That could change after the NBA trade deadline, after Phoenix shipped off Richards to the Milwaukee Bucks for Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey.
Oct 22, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) against the Sacramento Kings at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
If what Ott said is any indication, Maluach seems ready to take his reps from the G League to the NBA and show his improvement. It’s unclear if Maluach will make an appearance in Tuesday’s game, but it being his night and mix in a lengthy Mavericks team, tonight seems better than ever opportunity to show some proof.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
