Phoenix Suns Fanbase Receives Praise From Center Khaman Maluach

The future trajectory of the Phoenix Suns hinges on a select number of rising stars. 

Suns center Khaman Maluach is perhaps the most crucial puzzle piece when bridging the gap between present competitiveness and future contention. 

The second-year former lottery pick is entering a crucial campaign in his development after a rookie season that yielded relatively slow in-season growth.

Maluach is ready to face the tests that the season will bring, and is attributing a large piece of motivation to improve to the Suns' fanbase (Shane Young).

“The fans really welcomed me when I came here as an 18-year-old from Duke. They believe in me. They are trusting the process with me, so it’s been great. Thanks to the Suns fans out there.” 

The tie-in between Maluach and the Phoenix fanbase has potential to become a special one, as the Suns are the "original" team in the area. Phoenix-based fans tend to claim the Suns before any other local franchise, and the Suns are once again establishing themselves as one of the most lively home environments across the NBA on a game-by-game basis.

There were many franchises that the Duke product could've wound up with that wouldn't have provided the outward support during a challenging rookie season. Phoenix was an ideal landing spot in that regard, without accounting for the exceptional player development staff behind head coach Jordan Ott.

While it's easy to temper expectations for a prospect that came into the league seen as a "raw" talent, it's undeniable that the 7-footer has put in requisite work to improve, and that said work is paying off in the lead-up to the 82-game season.

Teammates such as Devin Booker and fellow second-year rising star Rasheer Fleming see the hard work translating, with the former stating that no one on the roster has improved as much as the 20-year-old.

Maluach is currently receiving second-team reps behind the third-year Oso Ighodaro, but there's still a clear path towards receiving substantial minutes - especially in the absence of incumbent starter Mark Williams.

There's no doubt that there will be ebbs-and-flows during Maluach's second season in the NBA, but the fan support, coaching structure behind him, and guidance received from leaders of the locker room will positively benefit the up-and-comer. Only time will tell just how high the center climbs, but the trajectory at this moment is extraordinarily positive.

The ceiling is challenging to track, but future All-Star appearances don't seem to be out of reach currently.

Maluach will open up year two on Oct. 5 in a road game against an elite opponent in the Detroit Pistons.