Pacific Division Roundup: Suns focus on Maluach’s progress; Kennard to replace lost shooting; Curry eyes full health; Niederhauser advances in rehab
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PHOENIX — While the Suns have Mark Williams back on a three-year contract, the franchise is putting equal emphasis on the growth of second-year center Khaman Maluach.
The 7-footer from South Sudan is driving his own development, even seeking advice from four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. “I reached out to Rudy and asked him how he keeps up with his body—what he does throughout the summer,” Maluach said. He added that he has spent the entire offseason in the weight room to build strength.
Maluach’s Summer League numbers underscored his progress. He posted a double-double in each of four games, averaged 19.5 points and went 8-for-20 from beyond the arc after hitting just 23.8% of his threes as a rookie. Improved perimeter range could let Phoenix experiment with two-big lineups featuring rookie Oso Ighodaro.
Suns turn to Kennard for perimeter volume
Phoenix shipped out Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale in the trade with Charlotte, leaving a gap in high-volume outside shooting. Newly signed guard Luke Kennard is expected to fill it. Allen shot 41.0% on 6.6 three-point attempts per game across three seasons with the Suns, and O’Neale hit 40.7% over the last two. Kennard, who has topped the NBA in three-point percentage three times, is coming off a postseason run with the Lakers that required him to be more aggressive from deep, though he has attempted 506 fewer threes than Allen during the past three seasons.
Curry still mending, open to Warriors return
Seth Curry’s reunion season with brother Stephen in Golden State never materialized as planned; injuries limited the guard to 10 games. The 35-year-old free agent told NBC Sports he is “just trying to get completely healthy” before weighing options in July and August. Curry said he would consider another stint with the Warriors if the fit is right.
Niederhauser gains strength during foot recovery
Clippers forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser missed the close of last season and this year’s Summer League because of right foot surgery, but he reports steady progress. The 6-10 Swiss native has added significant muscle, noting he was 238 pounds when injured—27 more than earlier in the year. “I’ve been gaining weight, putting in as much work as I can and doing whatever I can do right now,” he said. Niederhauser also feels sharper on his jumper and finishing around the rim, though he lamented losing the chance to build on-court chemistry with No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler.
Source: Hoops Rumors
