{"id":702478,"date":"2026-04-07T03:06:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T03:06:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/702478\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T03:06:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T03:06:22","slug":"suns-rookie-rasheer-fleming-is-turning-heads-among-top-nba-analysts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/702478\/","title":{"rendered":"Suns rookie Rasheer Fleming is turning heads among top NBA analysts"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u2014 someone who could guard multiple positions \u2014 along with his 3-point shooting.<\/p>\n

While it took some time to adjust at the NBA level, including sharing time with the club\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Best Defensive Field Goal Percentage (DFG%) Among Rookies In The 2025-26 NBA Regular Season (Min. 100 Total DFGA) :<\/p>\n

1. Rasheer Fleming \u2014 40.8%
2. Hugo Gonzalez \u2014 41.6%
3. Carter Bryant \u2014 42.3%
4. Dylan Harper \u2014 42.7%
5. Khaman Maluach \u2014 42.8%
6.\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/pPt3HX5h0C<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/zGlDfVGLfT<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Stat Defender (@statdefender) March 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Fleming\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

NBA analyst Zach Lowe recently gave Fleming a shoutout on The Bill Simmons\u2019 podcast when asked for a nominee for the \u201c1988 Reggie Lewis Award,\u201d or the \u201cI Dunno, I Just Like This Guy Award.\u201d<\/p>\n

Who is @ZachLowe_NBA<\/a>\u2019s pick for \u201cThe 1988 Reggie Lewis Award\u201d, aka the \u201cI Dunno, I Just Like This Guy Award\u201d?<\/p>\n

That\u2019s right. Rasheer Fleming. pic.twitter.com\/vTekmG5u2z<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Rasheer Fleming Muse (@Fleming_Muse) April 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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\u2019t just for the sake of it, but rather to point to the early success he\u2019s having with the Suns.<\/p>\n

This is especially important for Phoenix, which made the trade with long-term depth in mind. While some trades don\u2019t align with long-term plans, Fleming\u2019s development within the organization has quickly made it clear he\u2019s adaptable and coachable. Even if a deep postseason run doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

\"Mar<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

With just a small sample of what he can do long term, Fleming isn\u2019t just making his mark in the desert \u2014 the rest of the league is starting to take notice, too.<\/p>\n