PHOENIX – Friday’s game marks the start of the Phoenix Suns Summer League campaign and could mark the beginning of a future superstar. All the eyes will be on last month’s first-round pick Koa Peat, but the real drama starts with the franchise’s second-year players. Khaman Maluach and Rahseer Fleming made serious noise in their rookie years. The desire for a sophomore leap is craved by both players, and it starts in Summer League versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!After retooling the roster and adding in players like Luke Kennard and Miles Bridges, the duo’s minutes could take a serious hit in 2026-2027. To avoid that outcome, showing out in Las Vegas is the easiest way. However, which player has more to prove to get their minutes up?
Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) warms up during a game against the Bucks at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on March 21, 2026. Syndication: Arizona Republic
More to prove: Fleming or Maluach?
The easy answer would be former top-10 pick Maluach. After averaging less than nine minutes per game last season, the 19-year-old will be eager to get more serious run in Summer League into next year. His averages of 3.0 points and 2.9 rebounds per game is not typical of a lottery selection. However, the limited run works in his favor. Maluach was seen as a project when drafted, and him still being a teenager gives the Suns plenty of time to see how he develops.
Phoenix bringing back Mark Williams and keeping Oso Ighodaro illustrates it understands that Maluach is still far from being a starter in this league. While age is in his favor, Fleming has the opposite problem. At 22 years old, the former 31st pick doesn’t have the luxury of being viewed as a project, but more of a win-now player.
Mar 28, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head Coach Jordan Ott with forward Rasheer Fleming (20) against the Utah Jazz at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
At 6’9, 240, Fleming already has an NBA-ready body and will need show improvements in his skillset. The defensive prowess was apparent in his rookie season, but the lack of offensive game made him a liability. To get run alongside other forwards like Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn and Bridges, Fleming will need to show an ability to catch and shoot and perhaps create scoring opportunities on drives. If he can’t put the ball on the floor, Fleming will get his minutes cut.
Apr 2, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) on defense against Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (3) during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Fleming will be facing off against low-tier G-Leaguers and teenagers. His size and experience alone should allow him to get easy buckets. However, fans will need to watch out how Fleming is scoring. Is it in catch and shoot opportunities? Is it from cutting? Because those are typically the scenarios he’ll get the ball in the regular season playing off Devin Booker.
Head coach Jordan Ott will see if he fits in that system and prove himself to be a win-now player in a tough rotation.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
