Suns' Khaman Maluach named summer league disappointment by NBA analyst
Maluach finished by averaging 10 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 35.7% shooting from the field in three appearances in Las Vegas, Nevada. He debuted with 14 points and five rebounds on July 11 in a win over the Washington Wizards.
The 10th pick struggled a bit to shoot, going 10-of-28 from the field, including 3-of-13 from 3-point range. He also left much to be desired on the glass, Hollinger explained this week.
Phoenix opted to take the Duke project, and I'll emphasize the word 'project' here; his was a rough entry to professional basketball. The 7-1 Maluach only posted a 13.5 percent rebound rate, took nearly half his shots from 3 and had one assist in 70 minutes. Watching from courtside made me more concerned about his hands, as contested rebounds and alley-oop opportunities escaped him at times.
Maluach was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team last season at Duke, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 71.2% shooting from the field. He was highly touted due to his versatility as a player who can both shoot and defend, boasting a 7-foot, 6 3/4-inch wingspan.
The 18-year-old has impressed teammates and coaches early on after joining the organization last month. He showcased each element of his game that attracted the Suns in a small sample size, though the team likely wanted to see a bit more on the court.
Maluach is highly thought of by the Suns after the front office turned down trade offers to select him with the 10th pick. The team is eager to work with him and help take his game to the next level, starting in training camp.
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After debuting with the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Summer League, rookie Khaman Maluach was among the players whose struggles were highlighted by John Hollinger of The Athletic. Maluach finished by averaging 10 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 35.7% shooting from the field in three appearances in Las Vegas, Nevada. He debuted with 14 points and five rebounds on July 11 in a win over the Washington Wizards. The 10th pick struggled a bit to shoot, going 10-of-28 from the field, including 3-of-13 from 3-point range. He also left much to be desired on the glass, Hollinger explained this week. Phoenix opted to take the Duke project, and I'll emphasize the word 'project' here; his was a rough entry to professional basketball. The 7-1 Maluach only posted a 13.5 percent rebound rate, took nearly half his shots from 3 and had one assist in 70 minutes. Watching from courtside made me more concerned about his hands, as contested rebounds and alley-oop opportunities escaped him at times. Maluach was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team last season at Duke, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 71.2% shooting from the field. He was highly touted due to his versatility as a player who can both shoot and defend, boasting a 7-foot, 6 3/4-inch wingspan. The 18-year-old has impressed teammates and coaches early on after joining the organization last month. He showcased each element of his game that attracted the Suns in a small sample size, though the team likely wanted to see a bit more on the court. Maluach is highly thought of by the Suns after the front office turned down trade offers to select him with the 10th pick. The team is eager to work with him and help take his game to the next level, starting in training camp.
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I remember eagerly waking up Saturday mornings, heading outside, and shooting warm-up baskets at the hoop in my driveway, dreaming about hitting a game-winner in my YMCA game later that morning. I remember simultaneously looking forward to every game and dreading it. I remember how my stomach used to flutter every time my turn at bat approached or when I had to step to the free throw line. I remember fighting back tears after every strikeout or botched ground ball or loss. Every little thing mattered to me. So much. I played soccer too when I was six years old, and though it wasn't my favorite sport, I remember caring about scoring goals. I have a strong memory of one game where I kicked the ball toward the goal, and it came to rest on the goal line. I didn't want to overdo it, so I left it there, thinking I had done enough to add a goal to my tally. By my recollection, the referee stepped in and ruled no goal because the ball didn't cross the line. That missed opportunity still haunts me. But looking back now, with my newfound, adult understanding of what six-year-old soccer looks like, how could I possibly have cared about that ball not crossing the goal line? In fact, it's entirely possible there wasn't a referee at all and one of the coaches just grabbed the ball and flung it back into play. They probably would have done the same if I had actually scored the goal. But still, it clearly meant something to my six-year-old self even if, by any objective standard, it shouldn't have mattered in the slightest. When my sons started talking about their first 'big game' that was coming up on the third Sunday of their soccer season, my first instinct, as a rational adult, was to discount their feelings. I thought I was being a good parent by helping alleviate their anxiety. I told them it was just for fun, and the games would be just like their disorganized practices. Factually, I was right. But emotionally, I was wrong. I should know as well as anyone that when you are five or seven or ten, youth sports games matter. So does going to school or playing a new video game or meeting a friend at the park. Every little thing matters. A lot. Because those 'little' things are what make up a child's entire life. As adults, it can be hard to remember that, and frankly, it's easy to get frustrated when children make a big deal out of apparent trivialities. However, I found that by tapping into the strongest memories I had as a child, I was better able to understand my children's feelings. Sometimes sports aren't just sports. They are a way to connect. For me, sports are a way to connect with who I used to be, so I can better understand who my children are right now. So I can understand their fears, worries, and anxieties. On the playing field, but also in the classroom, the school cafeteria, or the doctor's office. I don't necessarily remember what it was like to worry about monsters under the bed or impressing my teacher at school or making new friends, but I do remember what it was like to be a kid playing sports. I remember how big and important sports felt, and I can use those memories to help me better understand what my children are feeling. I hope this understanding will help me be more empathetic to my children's needs in every aspect of their lives. Because, when you are a child, not only is every game a 'big game,' but every day can feel like the biggest day of all. Solve the daily Crossword
