Suns Rookies Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach Emerging as Defensive Anchors

Rookies rarely transform a team’s defense immediately, particularly on a roster with playoff aspirations. Yet for the Phoenix Suns, first-year players Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach have begun to carve out meaningful roles thanks to their defensive impact and versatility.

Head coach Jordan Ott has been impressed with the pair since the organization selected them in the 2025 NBA Draft. From the start, both players displayed the physical tools and defensive instincts that suggested they could contribute sooner than most rookies.

While their offensive games remain a work in progress, their defensive potential has opened up new possibilities within Phoenix’s lineup structure. Ott has experimented with creative combinations, using the rookies’ length and mobility to match up with a variety of opponents.

As the season progresses, the Suns appear increasingly confident in what Fleming and Maluach bring to the court. Their presence has not only strengthened the team defensively but also provided a glimpse of how Phoenix might build its rotations moving forward.

1. Defensive Versatility Creates Opportunities

One of the defining traits of both Fleming and Maluach is their ability to guard multiple positions. Their mobility and length allow the Suns to switch more freely on defense, an increasingly valuable skill in a league dominated by perimeter-oriented offenses. Fleming in particular possesses the physical profile suited for modern defensive schemes. With a wingspan measuring 7 feet 5 inches and a standing reach of 9 feet 1 inch, he has the length to contest shots around the rim while still maintaining the agility needed to defend on the perimeter. Those attributes have allowed Ott to deploy unconventional lineups designed to maximize defensive flexibility. In certain situations, Fleming has even been used as a small-ball center, anchoring lineups that prioritize speed and switching over traditional size. Maluach, meanwhile, provides another defensive dimension. As a seven-foot rookie center, he has been adjusting to new responsibilities at the professional level, but his rim protection and presence in pick-and-roll coverage have already shown promise.

2. Experimenting With Small-Ball Lineups

Ott’s willingness to experiment with lineups has created opportunities for both rookies to showcase their abilities. One notable small-ball configuration included Royce O’Neale, Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Jalen Green, and Fleming playing as the center. Although the lineup was used for only a brief stretch, the early results were eye-catching. In roughly six minutes of action, the unit posted an offensive rating of 141.7 and a defensive rating of 100, producing a net rating of 41.7. Such numbers come from an extremely limited sample, and they are unlikely to remain that high over extended minutes. However, the performance offered a glimpse into the potential effectiveness of unconventional rotations built around defensive mobility. Ott has acknowledged that deciding when to use these experimental lineups remains a work in progress. Certain matchups—particularly against opposing teams that rely on stretch big men—create challenges that may call for alternative defensive approaches.

3. Growing Trust From Team and Organization

The Suns’ confidence in Fleming and Maluach extends beyond in-game experimentation. The organization demonstrated its belief in the rookies by making roster decisions that opened additional opportunities for them to contribute. At the trade deadline, Phoenix moved veterans Nigel Hayes-Davis and Nick Richards in deals that created both financial flexibility and additional playing time for the young players. While salary considerations played a role, the moves also indicated the team’s willingness to invest in the rookies’ development. That trust has been echoed inside the locker room. Teammates have praised Fleming’s potential as a defensive specialist, noting the rare physical tools that allow him to disrupt plays across multiple areas of the court. Maluach has earned similar respect for his basketball instincts. Despite his youth, teammates have pointed to his understanding of the game and ability to read defensive situations—qualities that are particularly valuable for a center responsible for organizing the defense.