Quick Read
- Phoenix Suns began their 2025-26 season with a new-look roster, moving away from the veteran-heavy ‘Big 3’ era.
- Khaman Maluach, a 19-year-old rookie, impressed in preseason and will play a bench role in the opener against the Kings.
- Coach Jordan Ott emphasizes youth, deep rotations, and a fast-paced style, giving rookies like Maluach early opportunities.
- Key Suns players are sidelined due to injury, with Jalen Green out and Grayson Allen stepping in as a starter.
- The Kings also face major absences, making the opener a test of adaptability for both teams.
Suns’ New Era: The Spotlight on Khaman Maluach
The Phoenix Suns are no strangers to seismic shifts. When the curtain rose on their 2025-26 NBA season at the Mortgage Matchup Center, the city felt more than just the buzz of opening night—it sensed the weight of transition. Gone are the days of the veteran-heavy “Big 3”. Instead, a new blueprint is taking shape, and at its heart is the 19-year-old rookie, Khaman Maluach, who finds himself thrust into the narrative as the Suns face the Sacramento Kings.
In the days leading up to the opener, the Suns’ roster underwent dramatic changes. The franchise bid farewell to stars like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, opting instead for a youth-driven rebuild. Devin Booker remains the anchor, but now he’s surrounded by a cast that includes newcomers Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green (who, unfortunately, is sidelined due to injury), as well as promising rookies like Maluach.
Khaman Maluach: Rising From the Bench
While the anticipation swirled around who would step up in Green’s absence, Maluach’s role became a focal point for fans and analysts alike. Head coach Jordan Ott, making his regular season debut, chose to start Oso Ighodaro at center, with Maluach expected to provide crucial minutes off the bench. It’s a decision rooted in both strategy and development.
Maluach’s preseason performances turned heads—most notably his 17-point, 8-rebound showing against the Lakers. His physicality and energy have already drawn praise, but as a rookie, the NBA’s pace and complexity pose new challenges. Ott’s philosophy leans toward deep rotations and fast-paced play, meaning Maluach’s adaptability could quickly become an asset.
The Suns aren’t just looking for scoring—they need defensive grit, rebounding, and smart positioning. Maluach, with his raw athleticism, fits the bill. However, with experienced bigs like Nick Richards and Mark Williams in the mix, every minute on the floor is a chance to prove himself.
Rebuilding With Purpose: Phoenix’s Strategic Pivot
Phoenix’s offseason was marked by bold decisions. Trading Durant signaled a clear shift: the Suns are prioritizing flexibility, youth, and a high-octane system. Booker, now the undisputed leader, carries the playmaking load while Brooks injects defensive tenacity.
Coach Ott’s approach—borrowed from his tenure in Cleveland—emphasizes movement, discipline, and conditioning. The Suns’ preseason numbers tell a story: averaging nearly 30 fouls per game, Ott is likely to lean on a deeper bench, potentially giving Maluach and fellow rookie Rasheer Fleming early opportunities to make an impact.
Grayson Allen, stepping in for the injured Green, is tasked with stabilizing the backcourt. Ryan Dunn, entering his sophomore season, is expected to build on his improved shooting and defensive prowess. Brooks, meanwhile, brings a reputation for physical play and competitive fire, albeit with a propensity for technical fouls.
Game Night: Kings vs. Suns—A Stage for New Beginnings
The matchup against Sacramento is more than just a contest—it’s a litmus test for both teams. The Kings, themselves in flux with Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray sidelined, rely on veterans Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan to set the tone. Head coach Doug Christie, newly minted in his role, is instilling a defensive mindset and looking for stability amid absences.
For Phoenix, the game is about more than the score—it’s about setting a new identity. The Suns’ younger roster means growing pains are inevitable, but the home crowd and Booker’s leadership provide a boost. The opener promises a fast-paced, competitive affair, with transition play likely to dominate.
Maluach’s presence off the bench will be watched closely. How quickly can he acclimate to the NBA’s demands? Will his energy translate into meaningful contributions, or will inexperience show against seasoned opponents?
The Road Ahead: Opportunity and Uncertainty
As the Suns navigate injuries and roster changes, Maluach’s development becomes a microcosm of the team’s broader journey. Phoenix is not just rebuilding—it’s redefining its culture. Ott’s willingness to trust young players signals a commitment to long-term growth over short-term fixes.
Bench depth will be critical throughout the season. Players like Collin Gillespie, Nick Richards, and Royce O’Neale are expected to share the load, especially as the Suns look to keep their rotation fresh in Ott’s fast-paced system. Maluach, with his impressive preseason stats, has a chance to carve out a niche if he can consistently deliver energy, defense, and rebounding.
For fans, the season opener is a glimpse into what could be—a team in transition, a rookie with promise, and a coaching staff willing to experiment.
Broadcast and Viewing Information
Tip-off for the Kings vs. Suns was set for 10:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Pacific at Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix. The game aired live on Arizona’s Family 3TV and NBC Sports California, with out-of-market streaming available on NBA League Pass and Amazon Prime Video.
Final Thoughts: Maluach’s NBA Journey Begins
As Phoenix turns the page, Khaman Maluach steps onto the biggest stage of his young career. The stakes are high, the expectations tempered by reality. Whether he becomes a cornerstone or a complementary piece will depend on his growth, resilience, and ability to seize opportunities.
The Suns’ season will be defined by adaptability, teamwork, and the emergence of new leaders. For Maluach, the journey starts now—every rebound, every defensive stop, every minute on the court is a chance to prove he belongs.
The Suns’ commitment to youth and flexibility sets the stage for both challenges and breakthroughs. Khaman Maluach’s bench role is more than a developmental footnote—it’s a symbol of Phoenix’s willingness to invest in potential. As the team forges a new identity, Maluach’s progress will be a key storyline to watch.
