​LAS VEGAS — The Phoenix Suns got a strong early glimpse of what Khaman Maluach can bring in their Las Vegas stint, with the 7-foot rookie emerging as the team’s best performer through the initial games. Maluach has been a double-double threat, finishing with a mix of rebounds and scoring, while also knocking down several three-pointers. He has become a vocal presence on the floor and from the bench, setting a tone for his teammates.
In the Suns’ lineup, Javonte Cooke and Darius Brown II have shouldered much of the scoring weight in the early Summer League games, each pace-setting for Phoenix in their respective showings. Cooke delivered 21 points in Friday’s 81-79 comeback win over the Portland Trail Blazers, while Brown followed with 18 points in Sunday’s 81-75 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. The two have repeatedly led the Suns in scoring in their two games, demonstrating strong offensive instincts and consistent decision-making for a squad that is looking to establish an offensive identity.
Rasheer Fleming has flashed his potential at times, showing bursts of playmaking and scoring ability. Koby Brea, on the other hand, is still finding his rhythm, especially from beyond the arc, where his consistency needs to catch up with his overall game. And then there’s Koa Peat, who has shown tangible growth since the season began, bringing energy and development to the Suns’ summer slate.
Following Phoenix’s 81-75 defeat to New Orleans on July 12 at Cox Pavilion, the Suns stood at 1-1, with Darius Brown leading the way in scoring (18 points) on Sunday and Cooke’s 21-point outburst from Friday still fresh in the memory. The Suns’ next challenge is a July 13 tilt against the Milwaukee Bucks at Cox Pavilion, the second game of a back-to-back sequence.
Smart decisions regarding workload will be key for the Suns this week. The staff could opt to rest Maluach and Fleming in the coming game, or possibly for the remainder of the Summer League, given their rookie status and the potential to preserve them for the regular season. The team is balancing development with real-game reps, trying to translate Summer League progress into rotation-ready production for 2026-27.
Head coach Chaisson Allen addressed the plan for Maluach, Fleming, and Peat, emphasizing a careful approach: “We’ll check in with those guys. We’ll obviously be smart about it, but as many reps as they can get in this Summer League, we’d like for them to do so to carry us over into the season.” Maluach has already made an impression, posting 15 points and 15 rebounds in Sunday’s game after a 19-point, 11-rebound performance on Friday. He’s shooting 5-for-11 from three across the two games and has been a consistent voice in both directions on the floor, though he did commit seven turnovers in the opener.
The adjustment period is real for Maluach, who acknowledged the growing pains of being a young big facing pressure in any environment. “Being a young big, when the season gets here, a lot of people are going to pressure up and try to make me turn over the ball,” Maluach said. “Just got to be able to take care of the ball so my coach can trust me with the ball.” Rest days aside, his development is a focal point for the Suns as they navigate the Summer League and prepare for the regular season.
Injury updates remain part of the story, with CJ Huntley still sidelined by a right hamstring injury. Allen provided an update that Huntley has made progress in rehab but remains questionable for return. If Huntley returns to health, it could give Phoenix more options and potentially justify limiting minutes for Maluach to manage workload and maximize growth through the remainder of the Summer League.
Fleming’s health also figures into the equation. He left Sunday’s game icing his left hand and wrist after an 11-point performance, and while his offensive production has been steady, his willingness to attack the rim and drive into the paint has sometimes given way to a more perimeter-oriented approach, including a step-back jumper that has yet to fully reflect his physical tools.
Peat’s development remains a focal point for the Suns. Compared with Fleming and Maluach, Peat’s minutes and opportunities in these games are serving as a crucial learning curve for him, and his growth has been evident across the two contests. The rookie has shown improvement, making some notable plays while still making a few mistakes—an expected part of the process for a player in his first Summer League stint and his first real taste of professional competition.
Overall, Phoenix’s Summer League run has offered a clear snapshot of the team’s young core beginning to establish itself. Maluach has taken the lead as the most impactful player to date, with Cooke and Brown providing reliable scoring support, Fleming still refining his approach, and Peat continuing to grow into his role. The Suns will look for additional reps against the Bucks, and the coaching staff will decide how best to balance rest with development as they move forward toward the regular season.