Why Suns’ Summer League stars played despite dominant stretch

The Phoenix Suns value reps over rest, as evidenced by their 2026 NBA Summer League performance. While other teams were resting top draft picks and even second-year players, they didn’t see it that way.

The way that the Suns’ second-year players were excited about Summer League said all that anyone needed to know. It was about proving themselves but also taking that next step as leaders on the court.

Phoenix coach Chaisson Allen, he worked with Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming all of last year, especially with the latter. He knew a breakout was on the way, but even with the uncertainty of the Summer League playoffs, there was a greater purpose for playing the duo.

“All trying to expedite the process for them. It’s coming into their second year. Again, can we speed up the process where now they’re making these in-game situations that we had tonight?” Allen explained after Monday’s win against the Milwaukee Bucks.

“Can they carry that over and be trusted in those situations in season? So, any action that they ever see in these settings is very useful for their development.”

Maluach proved to be one of the most, if not the most dominant player in Summer League. With averages of nearly 20 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, and over a steal a game, no one could stop him.

Fleming wasn’t as dominant, but he proved that his defensive intangibles and growing offensive game will eventually be a major part of the Suns.

Their consolation game will be against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. The organization will have a chance to reflect on how well the second-year players have progressed.