Phoenix forward Rasheer Fleming says his first priority as an NBA rookie will be making an immediate impact on the defensive end.
“My main goal is obviously to be the best player I can be, but I think I can do that by starting off on the defensive end,” the 21-year-old told The Arizona Republic in a recent interview.
Fleming became a Sun on the second day of the 2025 draft after Phoenix traded the No. 36 pick and two future second-rounders to Minnesota for the No. 31 selection. The former Saint Joseph’s standout then signed a four-year, $8.7 million deal in July under the second-round pick exception, with the first three seasons guaranteed and a team option in Year 4.
Coach Ott shares defensive vision
New head coach Jordan Ott has echoed Fleming’s defensive focus. According to the 6-foot-8 power forward, Ott wants him to “get us more possessions,” whether through steals, stops, defensive rebounds or second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass.
College résumé and Summer League sample
As a junior last season, Fleming averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks across 35 games while shooting 53.1 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from three. During three appearances at Las Vegas Summer League, he posted 7.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 16.8 minutes, shooting 50.0 percent overall and 36.4 percent from deep.
Fine-tuning decision-making
The New Jersey native is currently concentrating on slowing his pace to improve decision-making. “I feel like I’m rushing sometimes… just slowing things down a little bit,” he said. Fleming added that the adjustment has already begun to pay off during workouts as he prepares for training camp.
Source: Hoops Rumors
