The Phoenix Suns have not yet confirmed which of Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro will start for the franchise this season, but both players continuing to push each other is excellent for the Suns' chances of remaining competitive. As Maluach himself told Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, "It's going great because we're getting each other better. It's not guaranteed for any of us to start."
Suns big winners as youngsters push each other to new heights
Maluach spoke to the media ahead of the Suns' opening preseason game versus the Detroit Pistons and also revealed that both he and Ighodaro have been playing with different lineups at practice so that both are comfortable no matter which way Head Coach Jordan Ott decides to use them.
"We mix it up. It's not one person with one unit. We mix it up. Trying to see different matchups. Second team, third team, first team, we mix it up and see what matchups work best or whatever is best for the team." It's a great way to bring both along and ensure that the duo is engaged with the idea of starting or being the perfect backup for this group.
Maluach has earned rave reviews from everyone in the organization since media day, and his attitude towards starting (or not) ensures he will be successful in The Valley. Still only 20 years old, he doesn't care how he is used by the coaching staff; he just wants to help them win.
Ighodaro has more experience and was one of their best performers during the second half of last season. If he could become a more consistent free-throw shooter, his path to more minutes and that starting spot would almost be guaranteed. For now, the Suns can profit knowing they have two young guys who are pushing each other and have the right approach to starting.
Suns turning position of weakness at center into clear strength
The Suns have struggled badly at the center position since ditching Deandre Ayton once Kevin Durant got to town. Being stuck in the second apron was a large part of the reason why they could never properly address this issue, with everybody from Keita Bates-Diop to Drew Eubanks (can't say we saw a move to the defending champions coming) flopping badly.
But by taking Ighodaro in the second round in 2024, letting him come along slowly and make plenty of mistakes, they now have a rotational big man at the very least. Maluach was the 10th overall pick last summer, and despite being a raw prospect, he has the backing of the franchise to become a key contributor.
Maluach also helps the Suns forget that the best player they supposedly got in that trade in Jalen Green has so far failed to live up to expectations.
It is unclear what the future holds in Phoenix or what the front office will do if the team regresses this season. But in Maluach and Ighodaro, at least, the Suns have a pair of bigs who help each other improve, while both vie for that starting spot. It can only lead to a more competitive roster in the near future.
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