Khaman Maluach Isn't Running From Massive Expectations With Suns

The 2026-27 rendition of the Phoenix Suns are already facing an extreme level of scrutiny less than one week into the regular season.

One of the concerns already arising is within the center position. Third-year standout Oso Ighodaro is day-to-day with an oblique injury, which compounds already missing Mark Williams to begin the year.

This currently renders the center rotation to one of three players for head coach Jordan Ott. Duop Reath and Drew Timme are two-way options that can plug-and-play on any given night. 

Neither are facing anywhere near the same pressure that starter Khaman Maluach is, however.

The 2025 #10 overall pick is facing hefty expectations from the fanbase after an encouraging Summer League showing and standout preseason outings - particularly against Victor Wembanyama. 

Unfortunately, the regular season is off to a rocky start following a 41-point loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The 20-year-old was in the game for just 17 minutes, looking outmatched by Donovan Clingan at times. 

This doesn't phase the 7-footer, who is actually embracing the pressure coming his way from the outside world.

"It's good for me," were the words of Maluach following Saturday's shootaround ahead of the home opener against the Golden State Warriors (PHNX Suns).

There's considerably more pressure for the second-year standout to perform knowing that Ighodaro is out. The challenges on the horizon are up-and-down as well. This includes games in the next week against Chet Holmgren and Nikola Jokic. 

Despite this, the Duke alum is embracing the pressure, working on his craft, and growing as a person/player in Phoenix. There are certainly reasons to believe that the expectations aren't too lofty for him, either, especially in knowing that Devin Booker has a glowing view of his under-25 teammate.

The trust that head coach Jordan Ott and the organization have placed in Maluach is starting to pay off. The start of this was in Saturday night's contest. 

Maluach stuck in the game for 28 minutes, once again making an all-encompassing impact. This includes nine points (4-6 on free throws), nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals/blocks.

He did lose certain reps against both Graham Ike and Charles Bassey (particularly on the glass), but this game remains a major positive stride.

Maluach faces the next major test of his second season on Monday night when the Suns take on the Oklahoma City Thunder and imposing big duo Isaiah Hartenstein/Chet Holmgren.