Phoenix Suns rookies Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea haven’t seen much NBA action this season, but general manager Brian Gregory isn’t worried.
Gregory said the key for the young trio is to continue to develop so that they’re ready when the time comes.
“The biggest thing is with a 21-year-old (Fleming) and a 19-year-old (Maluach) is the development piece and the growth piece,” Gregory told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo Friday. “They’re significantly better players than they were a month ago, than two months ago, than three months ago. They get a ton of credit because their attitude on a daily basis has been unbelievable.”
Gregory noticed the rookies’ growth in Phoenix’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs Thursday.
Though a win was out of reach, Maluach had four points, six rebounds and a steal in seven minutes. Four of his six rebounds came on the offensive boards.
Fleming contributed three points and three rebounds, including two on the offensive end, in 12 minutes.
However, Thursday was only Maluach’s 24th game this season and the 10th overall draft pick is averaging less than five minutes per game; Fleming, the No. 31 overall pick, is averaging 7.1 minutes in 31 games.
“I understand there’s an excitement about seeing those young guys play, and they’re excited about it,” Gregory said. “They want to play and their work ethic on a daily basis, the coaching and direction they’re getting on a daily basis is starting to build a foundation, so when the time comes, they’re ready again to move into the playing group and play.”
When the rookies haven’t been with the Suns, they’ve taken advantage of playing time in the G League with the Valley Suns.
Maluach and Fleming put their growth on full display Friday, as both were fixtures in the Valley Suns’ win over Sioux Falls Skyforce.
Maluach scored 20 points (9 for 12) and recorded nine rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots. Six of his rebounds were offensive.
Fleming had 17 points (6 for 13), seven rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal. Brea tied Maluach for a team-leading 20 points (7 for 13) and recorded six rebounds and four assists.
Gregory said if it weren’t for the Suns playing themselves into playoff contention this season, the rookies would be getting more playing time.
“There was two different paths,” Gregory continued. “If we weren’t competitive and fighting for a top-six seed in the West, which obviously is a battle night in, night out in this side of the league, then rookies get more playing time.
“You see some of the rookies that are playing more. A lot of them are playing on teams that don’t have our record, to be honest. That’s why they’re getting that opportunity.”
However, with the Suns’ trade of Nick Richards, the general manager didn’t rule out Maluach getting more minutes down the stretch of the season.
“With one less big in the rotation, there’s that possibility,” Gregory told reporters Wednesday. “I know everyone’s excited to watch Khaman and Rasheer play, such bright futures for both those guys. They want to play.
“They’re on the court every day with us, working on their game in practices and so forth. I know if the opportunity comes, that Khaman will be ready for those minutes.”
Regardless of whether the Suns’ rookies see meaningful minutes the rest of this season, Gregory thinks everyone needs to pump the brakes on creating a narrative around their futures this early in their careers.
“Anybody that’s grading a rookie class in February doesn’t really understand what basketball is all about, to be honest with you,” Gregory said. “Because you can’t grade for three or four years in this league.”
