The Phoenix Suns drafted Khaman Maluach tenth overall, but there are serious questions about his hand-eye coordination that were further proven in summer league. Maluach was the key return in the Kevin Durant trade. The Suns need him to become a standout big man. He has all the potential, but this issue could quickly derail things.
The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie was quick to point to this being his biggest issue (subscription required). The problem comes to light in several different ways. Fans saw him struggling to catch passes and finish plays. There are also rebounding and turnover issues that arise from his ability to control the ball. Maluach has only been playing basketball since 2019, and he would not be the first talented big man derailed by questionable hands. James Wiseman is the latest.
Maluach’s three games in Las Vegas only made these fears worse. He struggled to finish shots and grab rebounds. It had to leave Suns filled with regret as the Durant trade looks even worse.
Khaman Maluach's struggles in summer league proved his biggest worry
The 18-year-old big man averaged 10.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 23.3 minutes per game in Las Vegas. Those numbers look strong until fans consider Maluach shot 35.7 percent from the field and committed 2.3 turnovers to 0.3 assists each night. The Suns were outscored by 39 points in his 70 minutes on the floor. Not exactly what fans wanted to see from a top ten draft pick.
Summer league is dominated by guard play, but Maluach's hand issues were on full display. Fans saw him struggling to catch passes, missing easy rebounding chances, and just having issues impacting the game.
This is something to watch closely during preseason. The Suns traded for Mark Williams to be their starting center, but believe in Maluach as the long-term answer. He has all the raw tools to be a dominant rim-protector and two-way force. The teenager must refine his game, including working on his hands. Maluach must control the ball better and snag those opportunities.
The Suns have clear plans to make him a stretch five. He took 4.3 3-point attempts per game in Vegas, but shot just 23.1 percent from long range. His jumper will have to improve significantly for Maluach to be given the green light to shoot in NBA games, but it was a positive step for the young big man. He is a project and needs time to develop.
The Phoenix Suns valued a top ten pick over more established players in their return for Kevin Durant. That puts even more pressure on Khaman Maluach to be a difference-maker for the Suns. There is plenty of worry after his struggles in the Las Vegas Summer League. Maluach must improve his hand-eye coordination immediately. The Suns have work to do on all fronts, but developing their teenage big man should be their top priority. This is a difficult skill to improve quickly, so stay tuned.