Our rookies not exactly impressing.
NBA Summer League disappointments: Nets’ draft class, the Pelicans and more
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6512060/2025/07/25/nba-summer-league-disappointments-nets-pelicans/Khaman Maluach, Suns: Could the Suns have done what Atlanta did and walked away from the draft with an unprotected future first from the Pelicans and the 23rd pick instead of staying at No. 10? Discussion over whether Phoenix fumbled the bag by not taking the New Orleans offer will only heighten if Maluach can’t give the Suns a quality big.
Phoenix opted to take the Duke project, and I’ll emphasize the word “project” here; his was a rough entry to professional basketball. The 7-1 Maluach only posted a 13.5 percent rebound rate, took nearly half his shots from 3 and had one assist in 70 minutes. Watching from courtside made me more concerned about his hands, as contested rebounds and alley-oop opportunities escaped him at times.
This is why I hated this pick. Project players should NEVER be taken top 10! Top 10 players should be able to contribute right away (even at a minimum 15 minutes a game). I said it on draft day, he’s going to bust hard! I’m sticking with that projection. I’m sitting at the table asking to prove me wrong but the only answer i will get is going to be “give him 2 or 3 years”. My retort is “good Luck”!
Ceiling:( taller version) Bismack Biyombo
Floor: Hasheem Thabeet
I am such a lucky NBA fan. 8647 My favorite team went from the most greedy and racist owner to the most ego driven dumbass owner in all of sports fdt.
Only a fan of Arizona teams!
Cardinals
Dbacks
Suns