Phoenix Suns Center Recognized for Impressive NBA Summer League

Khaman Maluach becoming a member of the Phoenix Suns last July signaled a maneuver into a new era for the franchise, as the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft became the first lottery selection to be made by Phoenix since Jalen Smith in 2020. 

Maluach, a 7'2" center that spent one season playing for the Duke Blue Devils in college, was part of the trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. Maluach was perhaps the centerpiece of the deal when all is said and done, as the 19-year old has the capacity to take the next step forward into stardom in a manner that Dillon Brooks or Jalen Green may not be able to at this juncture. 

Skepticism still remains around Maluach's capacity to develop long-term after a rather muted first season in the league, but the run Phoenix made during Summer League play in Las Vegas certainly did much to raise eyebrows heading into the 2026-27 campaign. 

Maluach was officially named to the Summer League Second Team on Tuesday morning after posting averages of 19.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks. There were arguments to be made that his performance across four games was enough to warrant a first-team selection, but the major progress from year-to-year should be the unequivocal focus in this situation. 

First-year Maluach proved to be uneven on both sides of the ball, as the 7-footer would flash moments of brilliance that would get marred by moments of head-scratching decisions and appearing to be a clunky fit in the Phoenix offense. The Summer League showed that Maluach has become much more comfortable schematically on both offense and defense, while his ability as a rebounder has improved tenfold in conjunction with other growth.

Perhaps the most crucial development for Maluach heading into year two outside of his increased awareness/comfortability is his evolving jump shot. Maluach worked extensively with former NBA sharpshooter Kyle Korver over the offseason to improve his shot base, mechanics, and more - with that paying off to the degree of shooting over 40% from three-point range in Las Vegas. 

Time will tell if the growth that has been displayed in Vegas will translate into long-term success, but it is a certainty that the promising center earned his spot as one of the most impressive players during the NBA's yearly showcase for the next generation of stars.

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Kevin Hicks is a contributing writer to SunsRoundtable. He can be reached on X @khicks_21.