On the same night that the Phoenix Suns drafted Khaman Maluach with the No. 10 pick, which they received in the Kevin Durant trade, they traded for Mark Williams. Just like that, they boosted their frontcourt with two young centers.
Drafting Maluach while trading for Williams was a sign that the former wouldn't be the starting center, at least not immediately. The Suns knew that when they drafted Maluach, a raw prospect, he'd need time to develop and grow as an NBA player.
Through Phoenix's first five games of the season, Malauch has appeared in two games. He made his official NBA debut on Oct. 24 in the Suns' 129-102 loss to the Clippers, and the following night, he played 13 minutes in a 133-111 loss to the Nuggets. Maluach finished with six points (1-of-3), two rebounds, one assist, four fouls, and one turnover against Denver.
Mat Ishbia made it clear that Phoenix was going to try to be competitive with Devin Booker, even after trading KD. Relying on Maluach to be a starter, a role he isn't yet ready for, would go against the direction the Suns want to take. Or we should say the direction they're trying to take right now.
It's why they have Williams, Nick Richards, and Oso Ighodaro. The latter struggled as the starting center. Williams, on the other hand, did well in his first start against the Grizzlies, finishing with 20 points (9-of-12), 12 rebounds, four steals, one assist, and one block in 28 minutes. It's a role he should hold, barring an injury, which hopefully won't happen.
The Suns knew they couldn't immediately rely on Khaman Maluach
Jordan Ott isn't just stashing a seven-foot-one center on the bench for fun, watching his team struggle defensively and on the boards. Fans have been calling for Maluach to play, especially after watching Ighodaro and the loss to the Jazz, but that hasn't changed anything.
This won't be the season where Maluach will step into the spotlight, assuming (and hoping) that will one day happen. When you have a top-10 pick sitting on the bench, it can get frustrating, but the Suns don't want to rush things. The 19-year-old is a project. It will take time.
Fans should get to see more of Maluach as the season wears on, but it's still only October. He's trying to get a feel for the game. There is no need for Phoenix to throw him into the fire.