After a tantalizing Summer League, the Duke product enters a pivotal sophomore campaign. Discover how his floor-spacing potential and defensive growth could propel him into the starting lineup.
Phoenix Suns basketball is nearly back.
The Suns are kicking off the ramp-up towards the 2026-27 season with the opening of training camp in the last week of September.
A major piece of the 2026-27 equation is second-year center Khaman Maluach, who is entering a crucial year in his NBA development journey.
Read more below on key aspects of the Duke product's second campaign with the Suns.
Reasonable Expectations for Maluach in 2026-27
The 7-footer put a tantalizing ceiling on full display during Phoenix's Summer League play in July.
Maluach shot 40% from three-point range over four games, while displaying the potential to be a dominant rim protector, and functional play finisher. Whether all of these will come together in regular season action is a different topic to touch upon, but the expectation should be that the former lottery pick makes marked growth.
Expect a double-digit scoring average, an improvement in overarching metrics, and a more assertive effort with more comfortability in head coach Jordan Ott's operations.
Is Maluach Prepared to Face NBA Speed?
While the elite prospect showed promising growth over the summer, there are questions surrounding if the 20-year-old is prepared to make such a significant jump.
The opening game of the season will be a massive test, as the Portland Trail Blazers employ an athletic perimeter attack, as well as versatile bigs that are headlined by Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III.
This will push Maluach to his limits, serving as a litmus test for what to expect from the center in the early stages of the season.
How Much Will Maluach Start at Some Point This Season?
The assumption with the injury to incumbent starting center Mark Williams is that Oso Ighodaro will open the season as Phoenix's starter at the position.
Despite this, there is reason to believe that Maluach will receive starts throughout the season. Whether this comes as a result of personal growth, matchup advantages, or injury, there is a good chance that the 2025 10th overall pick earns starts at some point.
The true extent of starts Maluach receives will hinge on game-by-game progression. If the second-year standout shoots the ball well, dictates the lane on the defensive side of the ball, and rebounds the ball consistently, there's a real chance that he eventually takes over as the full-time starter by the time the regular season comes to a close.
