LAS VEGAS — Second-year center Khaman Maluach says his offseason work is centered on rebounding, defense and physical strength after a promising Summer League showing for the Phoenix Suns.
The 7’1” South Sudan native, selected 10th overall last year, averaged just 3.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 8.9 minutes over 46 NBA games as a rookie. He was more productive with the Suns’ G League affiliate, posting 16.5 points, 12.7 boards and 2.5 blocks across 11 appearances (30.3 MPG).
In four outings at the Las Vegas Summer League, the 19-year-old delivered 19.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.3 steals in 27.4 minutes, while knocking down 40.0% of his three-point attempts (8-for-20).
“Rebounding. Playing defense. That’s what our team needs,” Maluach told The Arizona Republic. “It’s OK for rookies to make mistakes, but the problem is if you keep on making the same mistakes all the time.” He added that an improved perimeter shot is “icing on the cake,” with his primary focus on strength, speed, hand-eye coordination and staying healthy through the season.
Suns’ first-round pick Peat embracing work ahead
Phoenix obtained the draft rights to forward Koa Peat, the 30th overall selection, in last month’s four-team deal with the Knicks. The 19-year-old averaged 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals in 27.2 minutes during Summer League play.
Speaking with Andre Iguodala on NBA on Prime, Peat said he is “taking it one day at a time” and plans to return to Phoenix immediately to continue training. The former Arizona standout is also eager to share the court with star guard Devin Booker.
“Just playing off him, trying to make him better as a player, doing the little things,” Peat said. “He’s one of the best players in the league. He’s a legend. I think that’s going to help my game for sure.”
The Suns open training camp this fall with both young front-court prospects vying for rotation minutes behind a veteran core.
Source: HoopsRumors
