The Phoenix Suns finally have a franchise center.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s okay to think of him as your franchise center\u2026 for now. This is a good problem to have.<\/p>\n
Did we expect Khaman to be the 4th string center behind Williams, Ighodaro, and Richards entering this season? Probably not! It\u2019s not the end of the world, and more common for rookies to wait their turn than you\u2019d think in this instant gratification society we live in.<\/p>\n
Khaman Maluach\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s not focus on what some of his fellow rookies are doing just yet. He was always going to require development.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Most rookies in NBA history have had to wait their turn. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Phoenix sent him to the G League because that\u2019s the system. It\u2019s not punishment. It\u2019s development. The reps matter. That\u2019s why the G League exists. You use it, you lean on it, and you let the kid breathe.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s nice he has good \u201cvets\u201d to lean on as he develops as well. And yes, I\u2019m referring to 23-year-old Mark Williams as a \u201cvet\u201d on this youthful team.<\/p>\n