GLENDALE – The Phoenix Suns’ lone positive of getting hit with a wave of injuries has been the unleashing of rookie wing Rasheer Fleming. Head coach Jordan Ott is without Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, forcing him to improvise. When he looks towards the end of the bench, the first-year head coach sees rookie 6’9 unproven wing. Ott has given Fleming his shot, appearing in five of the last six games, which he hasn’t wasted.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In Thursday’s game vs. the Los Angeles Lakers, the 21-year-old had a career high in points (8) and rebounds (6) to be a +19 in 21 minutes. Fleming was the first pick in the second round, and with the draft being two days, it allowed Phoenix to make multiple trades to accumulate assets to trade for the Saint Joseph’s product. The Lakers game proved that general manager Brian Gregory’s gamble might’ve been worth it.
Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Fleming’s energy on display vs. Lakers:
In his last five appearances, Fleming has play 12 or more minutes and has had a positive +/- in all the games, which is impressive seeing how the Suns are 1-4 in those games. Despite the losses, Fleming is winning his minutes on the court because of his effort and energy.
Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) celebrates with forward Rasheer Fleming (20) against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With a 7-foot-5 wingspan, the rookie is a defensive nightmare for whoever he’s guarding. In Thursday’s game alone, Fleming found himself on Lebron James and Luka Doncic, winning those matchups more often than not. His attentiveness on the defensive end makes him a valuable asset for Ott and a hard name for him to put back at the end of the bench.
While offensively he isn’t as polished, Fleming crashing from the wing for offensive rebounds and not being scared to shoot in big moments goes a long way to keep himself from being a negative on that end.
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
In 132 non-garbage time minutes, Fleming’s on/off numbers is seriously impressive. The Suns have an offensive rating of 119.8 and defensive rating of 110.0 with Fleming on the floor for a net rating of +9.8. Phoenix, in a much larger sample size of 2,398 minutes, is only a +2.0 without him on the floor. The number +9.8 is surely to shrink when Ott gives him more minutes, but it is an early indicator that the rookie is a serious difference maker on the court.
Fleming spoke postgame following the Lakers win about his development and sees Thursday as just another step towards his end goal.
“Taking everything day-by-day. Not looking too far ahead. Just focusing on what I have done and focusing on the progress that I’m making throughout the season.”
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
