PHOENIX — Phoenix Suns rookie Rasheer Fleming has already made his early mark in the Valley, but his season is now reaching beyond it and into some of the NBA’s biggest spaces.
Mar 31, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jett Howard (13) shoots against Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
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Fleming arrived to the organization in a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, who drafted him as the No. 31 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Brought in to add depth to the Phoenix Suns this season, the club wanted to see his defensive presence — someone who could guard multiple positions — along with his 3-point shooting.
While it took some time to adjust at the NBA level, including sharing time with the club’s G League affiliate, the Valley Suns, Fleming has taken advantage of opportunities created by injuries to key players and has become one of the core rotation pieces this season.
Fleming’s rim protection has made him a high-level defender, posting a 40.8% defensive field goal percentage that leads all rookies this season. Despite low numbers on the offensive side, averaging 4.2 points and 0.2 assists, his size and ability to compete against opposing offenses have turned heads beyond Phoenix.
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NBA analyst Zach Lowe recently gave Fleming a shoutout on The Bill Simmons’ podcast when asked for a nominee for the “1988 Reggie Lewis Award,” or the “I Dunno, I Just Like This Guy Award.”
Mar 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) against the Denver Nuggets at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While it came in lighthearted banter for a made-up award, Fleming gaining attention from a seasoned analyst so early in his career is making rounds. Lowe naming him wasn’t just for the sake of it, but rather to point to the early success he’s having with the Suns.
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This is especially important for Phoenix, which made the trade with long-term depth in mind. While some trades don’t align with long-term plans, Fleming’s development within the organization has quickly made it clear he’s adaptable and coachable. Even if a deep postseason run doesn’t happen this year, the club can still count on the young forward to develop and eventually help lead them to where they want to be.
Mar 31, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic guard Jett Howard (13) during the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
With just a small sample of what he can do long term, Fleming isn’t just making his mark in the desert — the rest of the league is starting to take notice, too.
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