Khaman Maluach, the former Duke center and No. 10 overall pick from 2025, is absolutely tearing it up for the Phoenix Suns in the 2026 NBA Summer League tournament. The dude is dominating in every regard, putting on a show that makes you wonder if he even belongs in this league. On Wednesday evening, Maluach dropped a ridiculous 23 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, dished out an assist, swatted a shot, and snagged a steal. That kind of stat line is just wild for any game, let alone Summer League.
Maluach's Unbelievable Numbers
Through four summer league games, Maluach isn't just good, he's averaging a double-double with 19.5 points and 12.7 rebounds a night. And get this: he's shooting a phenomenal 40% from beyond the arc. That's not just big man numbers, that's an all-around force shaping up right before our eyes. When someone asked if he was maybe too good to keep playing in Summer League, Maluach gave the perfect answer, showing off a winning mentality and a hunger to get even better. He said, "I don't think there's such a thing as too good. Even great players like LeBron James, they still have more to learn, so I don't think there's such a thing like that." That kind of humble confidence, paired with his performance, tells you everything you need to know about this guy's potential. He isn't satisfied; he's hungry for more, and that's a dangerous combo for the rest of the league.Semifinal Drama and MVP Aspirations
While Maluach is playing out of his mind, the Suns' path to the semifinals is still a nail-biter. Phoenix finished their first four games with a 3-1 record, which is solid, but their status for the win-or-go-home semifinal round remains in jeopardy. They are currently ranked fourth in the standings with a point differential of +3.8. That's good, but other teams still have games to play on Thursday and Friday, and they could easily leapfrog the Suns. Only the top four teams make it through, so every possession and every point matters right now. If the Suns can somehow hold on to that fourth and final spot, Maluach has absolutely proven his case for the NBA Summer League MVP. His dominance is undeniable, and he's carrying a significant load for Phoenix. We're on the edge of our seats to see if his incredible play is enough to push the Suns into the semis and secure him that well-deserved MVP nod.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.