The Phoenix Suns lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. This was a result that surprised nobody. Yet, it could still have a positive long-term impact, as Thunder big man Isaiah Hartenstein gave the Suns' 20-year-old center Khaman Maluach a clinic on how to help his team win games in the future.
Maluach has tools to provide in same way Hartenstein does for Thunder
Hartenstein was excellent in controlling the boards for his side, giving them a team high of 13 while also finishing with 15 points as he went 6-of-7 from the field. Hartenstein has had a gorgeous push/floater hybrid shot that he can go to for years now, and given Maluach's height, there is no reason he cannot implement that into his own offensive game.
Hartenstein is also the master of setting screens for reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to snake around to get open, and his ability to help create space for his teammates despite occupying the paint on most possessions is a skill that Maluach would love to have. Again, there is reason for optimism, as Maluach has the body type and quickness to create space.
If there is one aspect where Maluach can't receive tutelage from Hartenstein, it is the lack of size on the Suns' roster. This was painfully exposed when Head Coach Jordan Ott attempted to make Miles Bridges the big in a small-ball lineup, which the Thunder immediately destroyed. Hartenstein is a giant on a roster full of big and menacing defenders, whereas Maluach has to attempt the same role with Bridges and Dillon Brooks for company.
Maluach must be given same amount of time as Hartenstein to succeed
Admit it, you completely forgot that Hartenstein was drafted by the Houston Rockets. Or that he played 46 games combined during the 2020-21 season for the Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers. It took well over half a decade for the German international to make his mark in the league, and despite the Suns talking Maluach up a ridiculous amount, he will need the same runway.
The key difference is that Maluach already has a credible 3-point stroke, which is an area that Hartenstein cannot compete. Even if he never tops out at being as dominant or smart in how he helps his teammates on both ends of the court, knocking down some shots from deep might just make Devin Booker's life easier in The Valley while also ensuring Maluach receives more playing time.
Hartenstein is the gold standard, and he showed in helping the Thunder beat Maluach and the Suns, but he also showed the former 10th overall pick the way to one day reach that level himself.
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