The Phoenix Suns played their fourth tune-up game against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, and Head Coach Jordan Ott gave what looks to be the starting group the night off. The result is not important, but what's interesting is that Oso Ighodaro appears to have won the race to be the starting center on opening night, having the night off. It is a smart decision for Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach at this point in their careers.
Expectations for Maluach need to be tempered through coming off bench
It has been quite the offseason for 20-year-old Maluach. He had a nice showing at Summer League and looked to have made clear strides in preseason play compared to his rookie season. His massive frame is noticeable as soon as he checks into a game, while his 3-point shooting might just help Devin Booker out long-term.
The former Duke big man does not need any more hype around him, particularly as he still looks so raw for a former 10th overall pick whom the Suns acquired in the Kevin Durant trade. Media day brought another round of adulation for Maluach, including from new additions like Pat Spencer, who had never even played a competitive game with the guy.
Taking him out of the spotlight to begin the campaign makes sense, and it also rewards third-year big Oso Ighodaro for his consistent work in becoming a rotation player for the Suns. He was in this spot 12 months ago, starting at the five on opening night, and it did not go well. But Ighodaro stayed the course and is now the best immediate option the franchise has at a position that is not even his most natural.
This would not even be a conversation if Mark Williams were healthy, and he is quickly being forgotten as this sneaky deep roster moves on without him. If Ighodaro regresses and Maluach shows off the less refined parts of his game (of which there are many), the absence of Williams will be felt right away.
Maluach earning starting spot will feel much better than losing it
The optics of Maluach starting the season on the bench before eventually beating out a second round pick to start for the Suns will look much better than the opposite. Imagine Maluach, the Suns player that they have so much riding on, starting from the jump before being replaced by Ighodaro. That scenario is not worth thinking about because the organization has no future assets to put a positive spin on that outcome.
Maluach doesn't care how he is used by the Suns at this point; he only wants to help them win. That is why Coach Ott starting with Ighodaro and seeing what happens as the season unfolds is the right way to play this.
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