The Phoenix Suns selected Khaman Maluach with the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after acquiring the selection in the Kevin Durant trade. The 7-foot-1, 253-pound center from Duke and South Sudan entered the league at age 19 with minimal basketball experience and spent most of his rookie season developing behind established bigs before logging real minutes late when Mark Williams suffered an injury.

Maluach appeared in just seven NBA games during his first year, averaging 1.9 points while posting strong efficiency marks in limited roll-man opportunities that ranked him in the 99th percentile. His 7-foot-1 frame produced flashes of rim protection and rebounding, including double-digit rebound games with multiple blocks in 13-19 minute stretches against the Grizzlies and Jazz.

Maluach projects as a potential two-way force if he adds perimeter shooting and consistent defensive awareness to his physical tools. The Suns' patient approach aligns with his profile as a late bloomer who needs time to adapt to NBA spacing and decision-making rather than forcing early offensive volume.

Phoenix has shifted from an older roster toward youth development after the Durant era, using the 2025 draft to stockpile prospects who can grow together. Maluach's trajectory mirrors other international bigs who required multiple seasons to translate raw athleticism into consistent production.

The Suns plan to keep developing Maluach behind veterans into the 2026-27 season, with G League assignments possible to accelerate his comfort level before expanding his role. A clearer picture of his ceiling should emerge by the 2027 trade deadline when Phoenix evaluates which young pieces fit long-term.

Maluach's combination of size, mobility, and defensive instincts positions him as the highest-upside piece in a group still finding its identity.