PHOENIX — Rookie forward Rasheer Fleming is showing measurable progress with the Phoenix Suns, seeing more minutes at the NBA level and being inserted early in tight games.
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Dec 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) shoots against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Fleming is gaining traction as a developmental piece with clear long-term impact for Phoenix’s roster. Whether he’s in there for a few minutes or 15, he’s slowly carving out his role in the organization.
In 23 games with the Suns this season, he is averaging 2.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in roughly seven minutes per game. While the numbers may not show a dramatic jump on the stat sheet, it is his energy, physicality and presence that are drawing attention.
Jan 11, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (right) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Head coach Jordan Ott has seen the progress of his young forward as he continues to work his way up, most notably logging 13 minutes against the Washington Wizards on Jan. 11 — the most since Dec. 27.
“Just his size, he got a couple deflections tonight,” Ott said post-game. “He’s just able to make up for what most rookies have… some mistakes out there, but his reaction time and his overall wingspan that allows him to make up for some plays.”
Jan 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott talks with forward Rasheer Fleming (20) during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
The blend of NBA exposure and G League play allows players to get consistent reps, who may not see extended time in NBA games but can still make an immediate impact in limited minutes.
With the Valley Suns this season, Fleming has flourished, averaging 17.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists.
The Suns’ faithful are also beginning to notice the forward’s progress, hopeful that more consistent playing time will eventually help him become an important piece of the rotation.
Rasheer Fleming thriving in the developement system and being main roster ready is such a great thing to see
— j (@xoddyynno) January 12, 2026
Rasheer Fleming has the tools for #greatness
— riley☀️ (@valleyriley) January 12, 2026
BTW Rasheer Fleming is slowly coming folks 👀👀👀 Everything we need is already in-house! Just have to let it grow a little bit 💯🤝 Jordan Ott is a basketball genius 🤯
— FLEX From Jersey (@FlexFromJersey) January 12, 2026
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
“He’s taking steps and he’s an extremely hard worker,” said Ott. “It’s not easy coming to the league, not really playing a ton of minutes. But we know every rep he gets on the practice court, in the game, he’s gonna go all out… He’s gonna continue to grow. Super excited to see where it goes.”
As the team continues to balance veterans with rising talent, Fleming’s progress showcases Phoenix’s long-term vision in developing players at both the NBA and G League levels.
Two-way player Rasheer Fleming is starting to see more NBA minutes, as Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott speaks on his development and progress.
🎥: @wlopezde#PhoenixSuns #SunsUp #NBA pic.twitter.com/2ysWLWe009
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) January 12, 2026
The Suns now begin a six-game road trip starting against the Miami Heat on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 5:30 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
