Phoenix Suns fans grew more excited as time drew closer to the selection of the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Would Khaman Maluach still be on the board? Sure enough, the Suns (technically the Rockets) snagged the Duke center, while almost simultaneously trading for Mark Williams. Just like that, Phoenix added two big men.
Williams, who is ironically also a former Duke center, will be the Suns' starting big man. Fans would like to think that Maluach will be Williams' primary backup, but his rough summer league showing showed that might not happen. That shouldn't incite panic. Maluach is only 18 years old (he'll turn 19 in September before the season starts).
The decision to trade for Williams was proof enough of what Phoenix's plan for Maluach is. The front office knows he needs to develop. The Suns are in an interesting position, as they're neither rebuilding nor close to being a contender, contrary to what Mat Ishbia believes.
Williams gives them a more win-now player (his injury history is a red flag), while Maluach gives them a player who has the potential to blossom into a high-impact player.
Suns traded for Mark Williams for a reason
Maluach's hand-eye coordination was a concern throughout the draft process, and that theme continued at Vegas.
He averaged 10 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 2.3 turnovers per game in 23.3 minutes, shooting 35.7% from the field and 23.1% from three. Unsurprisingly, Maluach struggled to handle the ball, finish at the rim, and rebound.
Phoenix doesn't expect Maluach to turn into a star overnight (that'd be quite the reach), but instead to develop and progress. If he doesn't show any improvements throughout the season and at summer league next year, then the conversations about the Suns' regret in drafting Maluach will at least be a little valid.
Ishbia pointed out that people have unfair expectations for Maluach. He's a lottery pick, but he will be a project for the Suns. The organization understands that, and so should fans.
Give Maluach grace as he navigates his way through his first NBA season. He's going to make mistakes. The hope is that he'll be able to learn from those mistakes and grow as a player throughout the season.
Be patient.