Suns GM: Team turned down 'great offers' to draft Khaman Maluach at No. 10
The Suns acquired that first-round pick from the Houston Rockets -- along with Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and several second-round picks -- in exchange for Kevin Durant. The trade was eventually expanded to seven teams and officially completed on July 6.
The 7-foot Maluach became a top target for the Suns to provide frontcourt depth and rim protection. Gregory said in a behind-the-scenes documentary published this week on the Suns' YouTube channel that the front office had Maluach high on their draft board.
We weren't the only organization in the NBA that had such a high evaluation and thought so highly of him. A lot of calls came in. We had some great offers, but we really believed in him as a player and as a person and that he could come in and make a positive impact on our organization, so we stuck with him during that entire process. For us to get a guy that was projected on our board five spots higher than where we got him is a great accomplishment, and it is because of all of the work that everyone put in during the entire year.
Maluach was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team last season at Duke, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 71.2% shooting from the field. He was highly touted due to his versatility as a player who can both shoot and defend, boasting a 7-foot, 6 3/4-inch wingspan.
The 18-year-old debuted with the Suns in the NBA Summer League on July 11, recording 14 points, five rebounds and two blocked shots. He finished by posting averages of 10 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in three appearances.
Maluach has impressed teammates and coaches early on after joining the organization last month. He showcased each element of his game that attracted the Suns, and the group will be eager to get to work with him in training camp and beyond.
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