Khaman Maluach finished with 6 points, 2 rebounds and a block in 17 minutes off the bench on Monday as the Phoenix Suns lost 109-107 to the Detroit Pistons in preseason. The 20-year-old centre shot 3-of-5 from the field and 0-of-3 from the free-throw line.
Maluach is taking second-team reps behind Oso Ighodaro, a third-year player, while Mark Williams remains the incumbent starter at centre. Despite the fixed hierarchy, Maluach logged more minutes than Ighodaro in the opener, a sign that playing time remains fluid. Williams' standing means any absence could open significant minutes for Maluach, who arrived in Phoenix at 18 from Duke.
Suns guard Devin Booker has already pointed to Maluach's growth as a reason to expect more from him soon, saying no one on the roster has improved as much as the 20-year-old this offseason. The 7-footer arrived as a raw talent requiring time to develop, and that work has continued under head coach Jordan Ott and the player development staff.
Maluach has embraced the process publicly. "The fans really welcomed me when I came here as an 18-year-old from Duke. They believe in me. They are trusting the process with me, so it's been great. Thanks to the Suns fans out there," he said. He will continue in a reserve role during the preseason as Phoenix develops him for a potential expanded role.
