PHOENIX – A bright spot to the Phoenix Suns laundry list of injuries has been the arrival of rookie center Khaman Maluach. In the team’s first 61 games, Maluach appeared in 26 games averaged 5.2 minutes for 1.8 points and 1.6 rebounds. The 19-year-old was seen as a project when drafted 10th overall, but still, fans were going weary of the franchise’s top draft selection not seeing the court. Plenty were ready to throw around the “bust” label, but Maluach has had other plans.

After a foot injury sidelined Mark Williams indefinitely, head coach Jordan Ott went to Maluach to fill in the backup center role and he has flourished in March. Saturday’s game vs. the Utah Jazz was his best game to date, setting a career high in points and flirting with a double double.

Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) dunks against the Jazz during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on March 28, 2026.

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Maluach highlights vs. Jazz:

The 12-and-9 performance brought his averages for this recent 13 game stretch to 14.4 minutes for 4.5 points, 3.8 rebounds (1.3 OReb) and 1.0 block. Maluach’s offensive game has really grown as a roll man and as a lob threat. Devin Booker found him twice near the end of the third quarter in Saturday’s game to throw down monster slams. And at 7’1, 250 pounds, Maluach has the paint on lockdown.

Mar 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) against Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Maluach uses his size to carve out the offensive glass for second chance opportunities, which leads to some easy putbacks for the young prospect trying to develop his offensive game.

His frame has really benefited him on the defensive end to cause havoc against opposing drivers. While his feet speed is still a work in progress, the Rumbek, South Sudan native is quickly becoming the team’s best shot blocker. Maluach has an NBA-equipped body, able to bump with players like Nikola Jokic in the post and not get embarrassed.

The time with the Valley Suns this season has truly helped Maluach get the reps against NBA-level players. The months of games under his belt forged and built him for this recent stretch in March.

When Williams comes back, Maluach is surely heading back to the third big spot and not getting minutes. However, Saturday was just a preview of Maluach future with the Suns for next season, a true defensive force.

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