The Phoenix Suns don’t figure to be big players in this year’s NBA Draft, which is unfortunate given the level of talent available throughout the board.
One player whose stock has significantly risen ahead of the big day is Aday Mara, his 7’3” height looming like the ideal kind of player to combat the terrifying Victor Wembanyama. Not that the Suns should be worried, they already got their guy for the same job last year in Khaman Maluach.
19-year-old prospect could yet be the perfect Wembanyama defender
One thing was apparent in Maluach’s first season in The Valley, despite being one of the more raw talents the franchise have had in recent years. Despite having so much to learn, his massive frame and ability to alter shots is already deterring opponents from attacking the rim.
Maluach also has something that Mara does not which could also make the difference in keeping Wembanyama quiet down the road. He’s not as tall as either of the other two guys, but matching Wembanyama purely with height has not worked to this point for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Chet Holmgren having an awful time in trying to contest his trips to the rim while he can’t hang with him outside either. Where the Thunder have had some success is using Isaiah Hartenstein (and with the help of the referees turning a blind eye) to rough up the Frenchman. That sounds a lot more like what Maluach will be capable of doing as soon as this coming season.
I can see Devin Booker now has Khaman Maluach setting the "Gortat" screen 👀 pic.twitter.com/Embb4QzeBJ
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) April 9, 2026
There is also an underrated speed and explosiveness to Maluach’s game, and it is no surprise that head coach Jordan Ott turned to him in the Suns’ own series against the Thunder. He was hopelessly out of his depth against the defending champions from an experience standpoint, yet his physical gifts meant he held his own on some possessions.
Mara is going to make another team happy, and he would be a great addition in Phoenix. That won’t be happening, but the front office can comfort themselves in the fact that they already have their own Wembanyama stopper. One who is only going to improve on the defensive end.
For those who point out that Mara’s passing ability is what excites organizations as much as anything else, there is no denying he could end up an excellent offensive player. An area of the court which to this point Maluach has shown little signs of improvement. To expect him to become even a competent passer is optimistic.
But his body profile and what we saw in his rookie season should have Suns fans confident that when the time comes to face Wembanyama in a meaningful game, combined with how coach Ott game planned for him in his first season in charge, they will be glad they drafted the center when they did.
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