How will this foreshadow the Suns new identity they try and build?
The Phoenix Suns struck gold on the first day of the NBA Draft as they selected Khamaun Maluach as the tenth overall pick in the NBA Draft. Many fans were skeptical of how the new front office would handle things tonight, but they clearly showed that they can present some good tricks up their sleeve.
As we all know, the Suns acquired the tenth overall pick in the recent trade when they traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. With many people still wary of the Kevin Durant trade haul, it was evident the team needed to nail this pick, and so far, the reception around it is positive. So let’s explore what this pick means for the Suns and how it also affects their plans.
The Impact He Can Bring
With the addition of Khaman Malauch, the Suns could strike on the best talent available and the best fit for their team. Since the Deandre Ayton trade and the failed experiments of centers over the last two seasons, it has been known that the Suns desperately needed to target that position this year. Everyone was mocking centers for this team at the original pick at 29, but no one could have guessed they would land two in one night.
The Suns address a position that needs to be filled, and it was best to do so in the draft. Maluach, at 18 years old, will bring the defensive intensity and hunger you want for someone next to Devin Booker. He has all the traits you want to see in a big man, and can be the best defensive center in the class if he pans out. For a team that ranked 27th in defense, that would be incredible.
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
With how this roster looks at the moment of writing, the Suns have multiple centers under contract. They drafted Maluach at pick ten and then called up our good friends in Charlotte to get another center. All while Nick Richards and Oso Ighodaro are still under contract. His addition makes it more likely that one of the two centers from last season may not return.
Playing Time?
Maluach will likely be a key piece in the Suns’ rotation next season. Even though he has some great highlight tape and hype surrounding his name, there are some things to watch. He is a bit of a rawer prospect than many, which may take a year or two to show his true potential within this team.
That being said, the prospect has some high praise and should feature as the backup center next season, with the possibility of playing as the starter. With Mark Williams coming in, it does seem like he will be the starter, but if he were to get injured or Malauch were to impress immediately, we could see him soar up the depth chart in a flash. Expect him to receive at least fifteen minutes a night going into the year, with the chance to bring that number up.
Long Term Fit?
With him being someone that the Suns did not think would make it to them at pick ten, it tells you that he has a long-term fit here as long as he pans out. For the Suns, this pick has the potential to be the best center in franchise history. With this team resetting salary, trying to get younger, and hitting this refresh with Devin Booker, a guy in Maluach works for now, but also for their plans in the future with Brian Gregory at the helm. Not to mention that Brian Gregory is fascinated with Maluach and loved the ability to bring a talent like him to Phoenix. I’d expect this is a guy you see sign a deal after his rookie contract to stay in the Valley.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Phoenix Suns surprised me in many ways tonight, and usually it’s for the worst, but not tonight. This was a draft we were looking forward to as Suns fans, and even more so once the Durant trade went through, and I think it is safe to say most of us are happy. With that being said, I am excited to have Khaman Maluach represent the Valley, and I hope whoever they select tomorrow as well, we can feel similar about it!
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