TEMPE — Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming made their debuts for the Valley Suns in the team’s 107-104 loss to Rip City Mix on Friday night.
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Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) slam dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After being assigned to the team by the Phoenix Suns earlier that day, Maluach and Fleming started against Rip City and their impact was immediately felt on both sides of the ball.
Fans weren’t all on board with the idea of moving both rookies down to its G League affiliate, especially Maluach, who was a first-round draft pick from Duke. However, with the Phoenix Suns off for the next several days and both players not seeing as much playing time in the NBA, the move wasn’t too surprising for other fans.
Amazing move honestly let them develop there instead of rotting on the bench
— lukasLNT14 (@LukasLNT14) November 14, 2025
Drafted him top 10 btw…
— Chiefs Out West (@ChiefsOutWest) November 14, 2025
Good move. Khaman needs more development and that won’t happen if he’s just sitting on the bench until garbage time
— 🪼. (@kayomummy) November 14, 2025
10th overall pick in the g-league instead of letting the kid ball..
— neB (@nebcfaa) November 14, 2025
Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Maluach had nine points, three rebounds and two assists.
Fleming was one of the leading scorers for the Suns with 23 points, 11 rebounds and going 8-for-14 from the field.
Both rookies, despite not seeing much time in the NBA, have made their impact with the Valley. They’re taking the extra time to continue honing their craft and gel well with the team, despite having only played one official game in the G League.
“I had fun,” Fleming said post-game. “… Outside [of the loss], I had a good time playing. Just getting my legs loose and getting warm felt good overall.”
Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While other players may feel upset being assigned to a different team, Maluach and Fleming have turned it into an opportunity.
Whether they stay with the Valley or are called up again for Phoenix, they have shown what they are capable of when given a chance to shine.
KHAMAN TO RASHEER FOR THE FIRST HOME COURT POINTS OF THE SEASON ‼️ pic.twitter.com/WA4KVONxZO
— Valley Suns (@GLeagueSuns) November 15, 2025
The Valley Suns now head to California to face the Stockton Kings on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Phoenix Suns assign two rookies to NBA G League for Valley Suns home opener
