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Phoenix Suns coach Jordan Ott recently commended rookie center Khaman Maluach for his work ethic and the spirit that he brings around the team on a daily basis.
Maluach has played sporadically for the Suns over the first half of the season, totaling only 84 minutes across 18 appearances. He has been behind the likes of Mark Williams, Oso Ighodaro and Nick Richards in the rotation, leaving him out of the mix.
Despite a limited role, Maluach has approached the season with tremendous energy and an eagerness to work, earning praise from teammates and his coaches. The team has set forth a detailed development plan for Maluach this season.
"Nineteen years old, (he) hasn't played a ton of basketball: No. 1 is strength," Ott said. "We want him to be healthy. ... It has been a big strength emphasis here to start. Then, just learning your professional habits. This travel is different. Being in New York City for four days (on a road trip) is different. His ability to not only show up, but show up right. He has been fantastic. His spirit is one of one."
Maluach has made six appearances in the G League, averaging 15.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, three blocks and 1.5 assists while shooting 57.4% shooting from the field. He has registered four double-doubles, including a 22-point, 21-rebound effort on Dec. 11.
The 7-footer was highly touted out of Duke because of his size, defensive potential and ability to work down low. He has displayed those traits in a larger sample size in the G League, showcasing the type of production he can eventually bring nightly.
The organization believes Maluach still has room to grow to become a regular contributor. But the group has been impressed by him off the court and is pleased with his early development.
"It is hard to anticipate how your rookie season is going to go," Ott said. "We've had good production from our bigs, and we know he is going to continue to grow, whether he is out there getting minutes or not. He has had some time with the G League, and he has had great practice for us, which are meaningful for him. So every second he is on the court with us, try to see where it all takes in this first year. But he is 19 years old. He is coming along in a good pace. We want him to be right when he is out there on the court."
Note: Sharif Phillips-Keaton of Nets Wire contributed to this story
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Suns news: Jordan Ott reveals points of emphasis for Khaman Maluach
Continue reading...
Maluach has played sporadically for the Suns over the first half of the season, totaling only 84 minutes across 18 appearances. He has been behind the likes of Mark Williams, Oso Ighodaro and Nick Richards in the rotation, leaving him out of the mix.
Despite a limited role, Maluach has approached the season with tremendous energy and an eagerness to work, earning praise from teammates and his coaches. The team has set forth a detailed development plan for Maluach this season.
"Nineteen years old, (he) hasn't played a ton of basketball: No. 1 is strength," Ott said. "We want him to be healthy. ... It has been a big strength emphasis here to start. Then, just learning your professional habits. This travel is different. Being in New York City for four days (on a road trip) is different. His ability to not only show up, but show up right. He has been fantastic. His spirit is one of one."
Maluach has made six appearances in the G League, averaging 15.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, three blocks and 1.5 assists while shooting 57.4% shooting from the field. He has registered four double-doubles, including a 22-point, 21-rebound effort on Dec. 11.
The 7-footer was highly touted out of Duke because of his size, defensive potential and ability to work down low. He has displayed those traits in a larger sample size in the G League, showcasing the type of production he can eventually bring nightly.
The organization believes Maluach still has room to grow to become a regular contributor. But the group has been impressed by him off the court and is pleased with his early development.
"It is hard to anticipate how your rookie season is going to go," Ott said. "We've had good production from our bigs, and we know he is going to continue to grow, whether he is out there getting minutes or not. He has had some time with the G League, and he has had great practice for us, which are meaningful for him. So every second he is on the court with us, try to see where it all takes in this first year. But he is 19 years old. He is coming along in a good pace. We want him to be right when he is out there on the court."
Note: Sharif Phillips-Keaton of Nets Wire contributed to this story
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Suns news: Jordan Ott reveals points of emphasis for Khaman Maluach
Continue reading...
