“He’s Going to Become a Leader Very Quick” - Phoenix Suns’ Assistant Coach Makes Bold Prediction About No. 10 Pick 1 Feb 15, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) reacting after dunking against the Stanford Cardinal during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Blue Devils won 106-70. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

'Watching From Courtside Made Me Concerned' – Phoenix Suns Rookie Draws Concerning Outlook From Veteran Analyst

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 10:20 AM ET

The Phoenix Suns received the 10th overall pick of this summer’s NBA Draft from the historic Kevin Durant trade, and they used the selection to take Khaman Maluach out of Duke.

Maluach can help the Phoenix Suns’ frontcourt right away with his ability to protect the rim and grab rebounds. However, NBA analyst John Hollinger believes the South Sudan international may need some time to adjust to the league.

“Phoenix opted to take the Duke project, and I’ll emphasize the word “project” here; his was a rough entry to professional basketball. The 7-1 Maluach only posted a 13.5 percent rebound rate, took nearly half his shots from 3 and had one assist in 70 minutes,” Hollinger said about Maluach in The Athletic.

Mar 1, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) celebrates with Duke Blue Devils guard Sion James (14) during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

“Watching from courtside made me more concerned about his hands, as contested rebounds and alley-oop opportunities escaped him at times,” he added.

Phoenix Suns receive “satisfactory” offseason grade from ESPN

The Phoenix Suns received a C+ offseason grade from ESPN after they parted ways with Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Tyus Jones while adding Jalen Green , Dillon Brooks, and Mark Williams, among others. The team also notably re-signed Devin Booker to a new extension.

Phoenix Suns' New GM Expressed His Loyalty to Mat Ishbia 1 Nov 15, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia in attendance against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

“Like Milwaukee, Phoenix put a massive amount of dead salary on its books with a buyout for the final two years of Bradley Beal’s contract. After dealing Kevin Durant, the Suns can’t realistically contend. Even making the playoffs will be a stretch in the West,” Kevin Pelton wrote in his column.

“But they have flipped their roster in a younger direction with three 2025 draft picks — having started the summer with none — and 23-year-old center Mark Williams, acquired via trade,” he concluded.