Phoenix Suns' media day took place on Monday, and General Manager Brian Gregory gave sophomore center Khaman Maluach a boost by claiming he is in the running for a starting berth.
Maluach has golden chance to take starting spot in Phoenix
Gregory revealed that Maluach has spent the offseason working out with Devin Booker, and that he is now in the running to start as a 20-year-old for the franchise, with Mark Williams set to be sidelined for an extended period with a shoulder injury.
This also confirms that training camp invitee Duop Reath will be the third-string big if he is kept around, which could involve some tough decisions being made. Having him as an insurance policy makes sense because Maluach remains a raw prospect, and to ensure Oso Ighodaro isn't tasked with doing too much after such a promising second season.
Having Gregory back Maluach publicly like this means two things. First, the Suns themselves are comfortable putting more of a spotlight on the former Duke big man after a promising Summer League showing.
Just as important is the likely seal of approval that came from Booker as a result of their workouts. The franchise cornerstone is about to turn 30, and winning a championship is his only goal. To be happy with the strides Maluach is making and to support him being in the running to start is a huge boost for the youngster.
Suns must remain careful on how quickly they turn Maluach loose
It would be ideal if the organization could start Maluach from the jump and allow him to learn from his mistakes, but they still have to bring him along slowly for his own development. As useful as his massive frame is inside the paint, he still has a long way to go to be a defensive anchor.
Even Deandre Ayton managed to achieve this while with the Suns, although he continues to slide into mediocrity since departing The Valley.
Offensively, he has precious little to offer, and the hope is that developing a two-man game over the offseason with Booker will at least lead to rampaging runs to the rim. There were a couple of made 3-pointers out in Las Vegas, and if that shooting touch is for real, then the starting berth will be Maluach's before long.
On the first opportunity that a microphone was put in front of the General Manager since last season, he was quick to tell the world that Maluach could start for the Suns. Now he has to go out and earn it.
