PHOENIX – The future of the Phoenix Suns begin tonight in NBA Summer League against the Washington Wizards in Las Vegas. The opener will be the first look for many fans across the Valley of key rotational pieces for the team next season. The roster contains the Suns’ last five draft picks in Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro, Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea. All of the prospects having something to prove this Summer League, but these are the top three areas fans should look out for in Vegas.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!1. How does Maluach defense translate at the next level
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) reacts after their loss to the Houston Cougars in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Maluach was a top five prospect in the 2025 NBA draft, but luckily fell to general manager Brian Gregory 10th overall. The 18-year-old is still raw, only starting to play basketball four years ago, but his intangibles on the defensive end is special. At 7’2, Maluach has the size and athleticism to match to be a special defender at the next level.
Last year, Phoenix’s interior defense was atrocious and couldn’t control the paint. Maluach could be the team’s defensive anchor next season and it start in Las Vegas if he can show signs of carrying an NBA defense.
2. Can Ighodaro show some life?
Apr 13, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (4) hangs from the basket after scoring against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
The 22-year-old is in a tough position. Ighodaro is still developing and showed flashes last season. However, the Suns’ center rotation has become even more cluttered than before, with the addition of Maluach and Mark Williams. Ighodaro is arguably the fourth center in the rotation behind Nick Richards and could be losing faith.
In his second Summer League, Ighoadaro will need to replicate the production he recorded in his short stint in the G League, averaging 16.0 points and 13.3 rebounds in three games. Ighodaro is still young with plenty of time to be a rotational piece for the Suns, but the signs need to begin in Summer League.
3. Can Brea live up to shooting hype?
Mar 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Koby Brea (4) shoots the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half during a Midwest Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Brea is the most interesting prosect for Phoenix, as he was touted as one of the best shooters in the draft. The 22-year-old shot 43.4% from beyond the arc in his five-year collegiate career on nearly five attempts per game. Reports have indicated that Gregory is likely to shop established shooting guards like Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, which makes Brea’s shooting a massive focal point in Summer League.
Allen and O’Neale are nearly 40% 3-point shooters and are valuable assets. However, if Gregory is looking to shed money, the job becomes much easier if Brea continues his shot making in Vegas. Brea is 6’6 and has the body to play at the NBA level, it becomes reliant on his shooting if he can become a piece in the rotation for the Suns.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
