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Suns' Khaman Maluach showcases versatility in debut: 'The sky is the limit'

Suns' Khaman Maluach showcases versatility in debut: 'The sky is the limit'

USA Today10 hours ago
Phoenix Suns rookie Khaman Maluach earned praise from assistant coach DeMarre Carroll after debuting with the team in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Maluach produced 14 points, five rebounds, two blocked shots, one assist and one steal in a 103-84 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday. He went 5 of 13 from the field, including 1 of 6 from 3-point range, in 21 minutes at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Though he struggled to find his shot, the 7-footer showcased himself at a high level on both ends of the court. He flashed his offensive versatility after throwing down a two-handed jam and swishing in a straightaway 3-pointer toward the end of the game.
"It felt great being back playing 5 on 5 basketball again," Maluach said. "I was excited to be out there, especially with this group of guys. I had to figure everything out: It is a new game, new playing style. It is a professional game, more spacing, different from college. I'm still figuring everything out."
Maluach was highly touted entering the 2025 NBA draft because of his size and versatility as a player who can shoot and defend, boasting a 7-foot, 6 3/4-inch wingspan. He displayed those traits last season at Duke and early on in practice with the Suns.
The 10th pick has impressed teammates and coaches early on, ahead of their stint in the desert. Suns forward Ryan Dunn called him a "super special" player at just 18 years old, something Carroll has also noticed after their first game on Friday.
"He is a great talent," said Carroll, who is serving as the Suns' summer league head coach. "The sky is the limit for the kid. He has learned real quick. He picked it up in training camp real quick; his communication on the back line. Him playing on both ends of the court with force, I think has been key. I expect to see really, really great things from him."
Maluach played alongside Dunn (17 points) and Oso Ighodaro (11 points, 14 rebounds) for the first time in a competitive setting. Fellow rookie Koby Brea also made a noticeable impact on the game, finishing with a team-high 19 points.
The Suns will play at least four more games in Las Vegas, giving the group plenty of opportunities to begin building chemistry on the court. Maluach was happy to get his first game out of the way and continue with the transition to the next level.
"It is a proud moment for me," Maluach said. "I feel blessed to be able to step on an NBA floor with my jersey number saying Phoenix Suns on the front. I'm blessed."
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