Three major takeaways in Suns Summer League loss to Kings

Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

PHOENIX – Last night’s 94-76 loss to the Sacramento Kings was an ugly one for the Phoenix Suns. What started as a defensive showcase between two hungry teams, slowly devolved into a slaughter, with Sacramento just outmatching Phoenix. For the Suns, the inept offensive output was fueled by a lack of cohesion between players, which isn’t shocking as it was the first time all five former team’s draft picks played together.

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The outcome looked like it was their first time playing together, leading to an ugly loss. However, as the game progress, glimpses of hope came from the play of some players and showcased aspects to build on in the final two games of Summer League.

1. Ryan Dunn is too good for Summer League:

Dunn scored seven of his team’s first nine points and appeared to be the lone player on Phoenix, who looked comfortable on the court. The 21-year-old dropped 18 points and six rebounds on 6-for-8 shooting. His offensive game has matured since being drafted last year, create his own shots off the dribble or in the post.

The second-year Suns wing is using his 6’8 frame to absorb contact and get to the rim. He baited his defender for two shooting fouls and looked like the most complete player on the floor. Dunn’s defense remains stellar and gives hope for a sophomore jump next year for his team.

2. Khaman Maluach is a work in progress:

It was a rough night for the 10th overall pick on Monday. Maluach had a very loose handle with the ball when working in the post and had multiple turnovers by opponents ripping or swatting the ball out his hands. Not to downplay his 7’2 size, which he has used plenty of times to put defenders through the rim, but many times Maluach appears to get overwhelmed with the ball when the paint gets crowded or he gets doubled.

Suns Summer League head coach DeMarre Carroll has stated that he wants Maluach to shoot plenty of 3-points while he’s in Summer League. While the 18-year-old is currently 1-for-8 from beyond the arc, the form and fluidity of his form looks great for a player of his size. There isn’t any noticeable hitches in his shooting form, which is a encouraging sign for his development beyond the arc.

Defense has been a mixed bag for Maluach. When he is confident, the South Sudan native plays like a giant in the paint causing havoc on any opponent’s driving attempt. However, when the team was on the wrong side of a run, Maluach seemed a step behind on contesting opponents at the rim. A positive note is that Maluach’s hand speed is elite, as he stayed active of trying to swipe the ball away when Kings players brought the ball low in the paint.

3. Rasheer Fleming debut was a success:

Fleming missed the first two games in Summer League due to right knee soreness. His debut against Sacramento illustrated what he can bring to the Suns next season. In 14 minutes, Fleming had seven points, two rebounds, one steal and one block. At 6’9, Fleming is a modern hybrid wing that has the ability to protect the rim, while having an elite stroke from deep.

The Saint Joseph’s alum gives Phoenix another Dunn-esque type of player that can have an instant impact on an NBA roster. While it being his debut, Fleming shared the same level of comfortability out there that Dunn showcased. As his minutes increase in the final two games, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Fleming have a takeover for the Suns with his abilities.

Suns rookies struggle in 94-76 loss to Kings in Summer League

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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports