Why aren’t the Suns playing Khaman Maluach?

Since the start of the season, 53 players drafted in June 2025 have played at least one minute on the floor. And 51 scored 10 or more points, Noah Essenge was one of two players (along with Max Shulga) without a point or a basket, the Frenchman had just six minutes before he was injured and sat out the entire practice.

And we are in the 46th position in terms of points won among beginners Khaman Maluach. And if this is worth mentioning, it is because the young talent from South Sudan was selected in the 10th position. But with his 107 minutes and 31 points since the start of the season, the Suns almost never use him. A very rare situation for the Top 10, but one that can still be explained, and for two good reasons.

The first is the surprising Phoenix level. More heralded than average after the departures of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and his teammates are finally in the playoff race, with a 32-23 record and 7th place in the West. “KD” is also the first to be surprised. Since then, the priority has been to be competitive and not allow the beginner to learn his skills and therefore make mistakes.

Competitive Sun when it is not yet

Especially when, and this is the second reason, this rookie is clearly not ready for a high level. Khaman Maluach, 19 years old, really has big limits, widely discussed at the time of his Draft. Since then, it has been impossible to be minutes behind Mark Williams and Os Ighodar. Even if Nick Richards, who was another contender, is no longer there, sent to Chicago, the pivot cannot exist in the rotation.

“He knew he would have to work hard from day one”, he commented his trainer, Jordan Ott, in early February. “For a player that we want to develop, his ability to be available is very important. We talked to him about his habits, we set up routines and he is improving. That is the main thing because it will affect his whole career.”

So what is the immediate future for him? “The G-League definitely helped him and we got to see how he is on the NBA court. He was able to gain experience.”the Suns coach continues. “Our team is working well and our interiors are in good shape. Khaman will improve. He is 19 years old and remains in a good position.”

In six NBA lobby games, Khaman Maluach has actually accumulated good stats averaging 15.8 points on 57% shooting, 12.3 rebounds and 3 blocks per 30 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/vatch?v=ZINTFi2K944

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.