PHOENIX – Having searched for a franchise center capable of impacting both ends of the floor, the Phoenix Suns may have found their answer in Khaman Maluach. They have cycled through veterans, experimented with different styles, and often relied on small-ball lineups to compensate for the lack of a dominant interior presence. Through two Summer League games, however, Khaman Maluach has shown promise at the center position.
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Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) warms up during a game against the Bucks at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on March 21, 2026. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Summer League statistics should always be viewed with caution, but the way Maluach has produced is what makes his performance so intriguing. The rookie has looked noticeably more comfortable each game, protecting the paint, controlling the glass, and making quick decisions with the basketball. His second outing was particularly encouraging, as he didn’t commit a turnover while displaying patience that is uncommon for a young seven-footer still adjusting to the NBA game.
Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Perhaps the biggest surprise has come away from the basket. Maluach has connected on 5-of-11 three-point attempts through two games, hinting at offensive versatility that many scouts believed would take years to develop. If that shooting proves sustainable, Phoenix isn’t simply developing a rim protector; they’re cultivating a modern center who can stretch defenses without sacrificing size or rebounding.
Mar 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) argues with a referee alongside center Khaman Maluach (10) against the Denver Nuggets in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That combination is exactly what makes his ceiling so compelling. Devin Booker remains the Suns’ unquestioned franchise leader, but every championship-caliber star needs a frontcourt partner capable of changing games defensively while complementing the offense. Maluach’s length, mobility, and rapidly expanding offensive skill set suggest he could become that player. The Suns don’t need Maluach to become an All-Star overnight. They need him to continue progressing into the two-way anchor they’ve lacked for years. If these early signs translate beyond Summer League, Phoenix may have discovered more than a promising young star; they may have found the cornerstone who extends the franchise’s championship window for the next decade.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
