Why the Phoenix Suns cannot afford to keep Khaman Maluach on the bench

Phoenix’s rotation is built with the veterans Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks with the star power of Jalen Green, but the Suns’ Achilles’ heel has been rim protection and rebounding, areas where Maluach could quietly shift the team’s defensive ceiling. His presence alone would alter shot selection and tempo, giving Phoenix a vertical edge it currently lacks.

For Suns fans, Maluach represents hope, an unpolished but thrilling reminder of what’s next. The tension between contending now and building later isn’t new in Phoenix, but it’s sharper than ever after all of the recent struggles over the last few years. The fact that the Suns drafted Maluach along with getting center Mark Williams in a trade, raised a lot of questions from Suns fans.

Phoenix Suns fans speak on Khaman Maluach’s absence:

If the Suns continue to ignore Maluach’s potential, they risk giving him the exposure and experience he needs to grow. Making sure Maluach is growing behind Mark Williams is going to be paramount for his success in the future. If they trust him, give him minutes, and let him grow, they might find their defensive anchor for a long time, right now. On the other hand, if Phoenix keeps going small while surrendering the paint, expect fans to start asking louder about when Khaman Maluach will finally get his shot.