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Khaman Maluach limited to bench role behind Ighodaro

Khaman Maluach came off the bench in Phoenix's preseason opener, logging 17 minutes with 6 points, 2 rebounds and a block as the Suns lost to Detroit 109-107.

Dustin Judge photo
By Dustin Judge · 2 min read
Khaman Maluach
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Khaman Maluach stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the tenth pick by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Khaman Maluach finished with 6 points, 2 rebounds and a block in 17 minutes off the bench as Phoenix lost to Detroit 109-107 Monday.

The Suns lost 109-107 to Detroit. Maluach shot 3-of-5 from the field and 0-of-3 from the free-throw line.

Khaman Maluach Depth Chart Behind Ighodaro

Maluach is taking second-team reps behind Ighodaro, a third-year player, per CBS Sports. Mark Williams remains the incumbent starter at center, pushing both Maluach and Ighodaro into reserve roles. Despite the limited role, Maluach logged more minutes than Ighodaro in Monday’s preseason opener, a sign that playing time remains fluid even as the hierarchy stays fixed.

What It Means

Williams’ standing as the starter means any absence could open significant minutes for Maluach, who arrived in Phoenix at 18 years old from Duke. Booker said no one on the roster has improved as much as the 20-year-old this offseason.

Suns guard Devin Booker has already pointed to Maluach’s growth as a reason to expect more from him soon.

Why Maluach Matters

Maluach, a 7-footer, arrived as a raw talent requiring time to develop. That work has continued under head coach Jordan Ott and an exceptional player development staff in Phoenix, per Yahoo Sports.

Maluach has embraced the process publicly. “The fans really welcomed me when I came here as an 18-year-old from Duke. They believe in me.

They are trusting the process with me, so it’s been great. Thanks to the Suns fans out there,” Maluach said, according to Yahoo Sports.The fans really welcomed me when I came here as an 18-year-old from Duke. They believe in me.

Thanks to the Suns fans out there,” Maluach said, according to Yahoo Sports.

What’s Next

Maluach will continue working in a reserve role during the preseason as the Suns develop the 20-year-old for a potential expanded role as the regular season progresses.

Reporting from CBS Sports and Yahoo Sports contributed to this story.

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Khaman MaluachNBAPhoenix Suns

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