Second-year big man Khaman Maluach is expected to become the Phoenix Suns’ full-time starting center next season following an injury to Mark Williams.
The Phoenix Suns lost their starting center Mark Williams after he underwent surgery on Thursday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, and he is expected to miss an extended period of time.
Position
C
Age
24
Height
216 cm
Weight
109 kg
Birth place
Virginia, United States of America
According to reports, Williams is set to miss at least five months due to the injury, opening up a major opportunity for the team’s second-year big man to step up and fill his shoes.
Those around the Suns believe Khaman Maluach should become their starting center next season.
“This is the time for him now,” said Stephen PridGeon-Garner of PHNX Suns.
“I think he’s being called to task, not just in the form of injury, but also in the form of expectations. You’ve been building up some confidence since the last time we saw you in the playoff series against the Thunder.”
“We saw you go out and dominate on the summer league circuit, to which some people maybe have a little bit higher of expectations and how well that will translate immediately for him going into his sophomore season,” he added.
NBA reporter Evan Sidery also noted that there’s immense excitement internally with the Suns to now see Khaman Maluach develop in an expanded role.
Maluach coming off a tough rookie season
The 19-year-old South Sudanese center is coming off a difficult rookie campaign with the Suns.
After being selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, he appeared in 46 games last season, averaging 3 points and 2.9 rebounds in around 9 minutes per contest.
He also appeared in all four playoff games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 2 points and 2.3 rebounds in 11 minutes per game.
Though his first NBA campaign didn’t go as expected, he showed elite potential during a dominant Summer League run.
He averaged 19.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game while also shooting 40% from three-point range.
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