How Suns’ Year 2 pieces have been ‘second coaches’ during NBA Summer League

LAS VEGAS– The Phoenix Suns’ developmental program is ahead of schedule; that is, at least for Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming. The two second-year players have been taken notice of, thanks to what has taken place in Las Vegas.

Yes, there are obviously some areas for improvement, but their sheer physicality and NBA readiness are clear as day. After all, Fleming and Maluach helped the Suns bolster their defense midway through the season.

The rim protection, switching ability, and simply being freaks of nature at their respective positions are only a microcosm of it. They’ve also been given the green light by the front office, head coach Jordan Ott, their teammates, and first-year Summer League head coach Chassion Allen.

Maluach’s 19 points and 11 rebounds on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers proved all those reps in the G League were well worth it. Still, he had seven turnovers and five fouls, but those can easily be cleaned up.

Meanwhile, Fleming was more of a defensive stopper, posting six points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.

Once Sunday’s game hit, it was more of the same from the duo. You could hear the constant communication from them, especially Maluach. Being that being a communicator is something both men take exceptional pride in.

“We enjoy it, and we embrace it at the same time,” Maluach explained after the game. “We just be out there, and try to help each other. Try to help everybody else around us and try to make everyone around us better.”

“Just trying to help them with the same stuff that we might have struggled with last year,” Fleming added. “Just making sure we’re on the same page with everything.”

The Suns have high stock in their young group

There were brief stints in which Fleming played small-ball center. Before heading to Las Vegas, his Summer League coach said Fleming is about 250 pounds. Recall, he came into the league at 190, so the math speaks for itself. One thing the latter pointed out was being at a functional weight, but not losing his athleticism.

Investing in a crop of rookies and second- and third-year players might seem like overkill, considering only one of them was in the draft lottery. But that goes to show taking a chance on talent and developing them based on their skill sets, but not trying to pigeonhole them.

For instance, Phoenix won’t turn Maluach into only a shot-blocking, rim-running big. He’s shown major finesse with his 3-point shot and his ability to play on the perimeter.

Meanwhile, Fleming was a quality shooter at St. Joe’s, but more was needed. In just about every practice session open to the media this past season, he consistently worked on the corner 3-ball.

Nearly 50 percent of his shots from deep were from the corner. Once that area evolved, it turned into a better ball handler. Embracing their strengths, while building upon them to become a complete player, seems to be the mantra.

As a result, the NBA Summer League has been the perfect place for Fleming and Maluach to experiment with those elements of their game.

Suns’ Summer League head coach echoes the same feelings

The man who’s seen the development firsthand: Summer League head coach Chassion Allen. As one of the Suns’ top assistant coaches, he worked extensively with Maluach and Fleming, particularly the latter.

Allen was aiming to have Fleming become a better 3-point shooter and be more confident with the ball. Before heading to Las Vegas, he was tasked with handling the ball more frequently and even establishing the offense, in addition to the defense.

Trying to balance their own work, in addition to bringing others along, is a tall task for two second-year players. But it was something Allen knew they could handle.

“They’re doing a great job,” the Summer League coach said when asked about Maluach and Fleming’s leadership. “Tremendous job getting everyone on board. We threw a lot at them here at camp, and camp is 3 days.

“They’ve been a great voice, almost a second coach on the court, and just helping all the guys with our principles, and then they’re also thinking about themselves and where they need to be.”

That supposed “leap” people were talking about might have already happened. Now, maintaining that dominance and lifting everyone else simultaneously can be the next step for both men early into their respective careers.

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