Phoenix Suns Already Falling in Love with Khaman Maluach — And It’s Easy to See Why
As we predicted in the aftermath of this summer’s NBA Draft, it was only a matter of time before Khaman Maluach won over the Phoenix Suns organization and its fanbase. The 7-foot-2 Duke product, who was one of the most fascinating prospects in the 2025 class, has already made a strong impression in Arizona and not just because of his size.
NBA draft analyst Sam Vencenie may have captured the essence of Maluach better than anyone so far. He put it bluntly:
“Khaman Maluach this year is like a really good example. Khaman Maluach does some things on the court that kind of drive you crazy. And you can just see from the way that he rebounds the basketball, his natural feel isn’t quite there yet. But Khaman Maluach is a kid that is an awesome human being, and anybody that you talk to says, very intelligent, understands where very self-aware, understands his shortcomings, and will work at it. But is he going to be able to make up that gap in terms of that deficiency? I don’t know. It’s on him to figure that out.”
It’s a brutally honest take but also one that speaks volumes about why Phoenix was so high on him. The Suns didn’t draft Maluach because he was perfect right now. They drafted him because of what he could become.
A Late Start, but Rapid Growth
Unlike many top prospects, Maluach didn’t grow up with a basketball in his hands. He didn’t even pick up the game until he was 13 years old. But once he did, everything changed. His combination of elite size, fluid mobility, and raw athleticism made him a natural, and his steep learning curve turned heads across the basketball world.
At Duke, his growth was even more dramatic. Coaches and scouts marveled at how quickly he adapted to high-level competition, and by the time he declared for the draft, Maluach had gone from “intriguing project” to “potential franchise cornerstone.” That kind of progression has Suns fans buzzing about what he might look like after a few years under NBA-level development.
The Perfect Environment in Phoenix
Landing in Phoenix feels like an ideal scenario for Maluach. He’s joining a franchise that has invested heavily in building a culture of development, and his daily battles in practice will be invaluable. In particular, going head-to-head with fellow Duke Brotherhood member Mark Williams will accelerate his growth. Williams, who has carved out a reputation as a reliable rim protector and rebounder, will serve as both a measuring stick and a mentor.
It’s not hard to imagine Maluach learning to refine his timing, discipline, and instincts through those matchups. If he does, the rawness that Vencenie pointed out may turn into polished production sooner than expected.
More Than Just a Basketball Player
But what makes Maluach especially exciting isn’t just his potential on the court it’s the kind of person he is off of it. By all accounts, he’s smart, humble, and eager to learn. Coaches rave about his maturity and work ethic. Teammates already enjoy having him around. And the Phoenix community, which embraces players who put in the work, seems primed to embrace him as one of their own.
For a franchise that has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years, that combination of talent and character is exactly the kind of foundation piece they need.
A Bright Future Ahead
Yes, there will be growing pains. Maluach is still developing his natural feel for rebounding, positioning, and reading the game. He’s not the kind of player who will dominate from day one. But with his mindset, his trajectory, and the support system around him in Phoenix, it’s hard to bet against him.
Duke fans already knew he was special. Now, it looks like the Suns and their fanbase are starting to realize it too. And if Maluach’s steep climb over the past few years is any indication, this may just be the beginning of something incredible in the desert.
Phoenix didn’t just draft a player they may have landed their future cornerstone.
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