As the Phoenix Suns tipped off their third Summer League game against the Milwaukee Bucks, a rolling monsoon made its way into the Valley of the Sun. Dust, wind, rain, lightning, thunder. ’Twas the first big storm of the summer, and it coincided with the storm brewing on the court in Las Vegas.
For the first time this summer, the Suns looked cohesive and connected in the opening quarter, scoring 19 points after totaling only 22 first-quarter points in their first two games combined. From there, the aggression
and pressure continued. And as I watched, I could feel the overreactions boiling inside of me.
Because how can you not be excited about how comfortable and mature Khaman Maluach looks? How can you not be impressed with the way rookie Koa Peat demands the ball and makes a beeline toward the cylinder? How can you not be thankful that Koby Brea was knocking down three pointers? How can you not be pleased with how Rasheer Fleming’s defensive acumen appears to have progressed?
When the regular season arrives, the minutes for these players will most likely dwindle. Players ahead of them on the depth chart will receive more opportunities, and that’s fine. That’s what makes what the Suns are doing right now so impressive. They have a deep roster with a talented starting five and legitimate position battles behind it.
The youth movement on display in Vegas felt as impressive and mighty as the storm rolling across the desert Monday night. And like the rain, sometimes you have to wait for it. This was the first measurable rain in 100 days. It might be a couple of years before these young players truly make their impact in Phoenix. But if they continue to progress, they’re going to force the organization’s hand. They’re going to force some decisions.
And that’s where the excitement lives. Not in Summer League wins or stat lines, but in the pressure these players can create within the organization. Development changes timelines. Competition changes rotations. Young players who demand opportunities eventually receive them. The Suns don’t need Maluach, Peat, Fleming, or Brea to arrive tomorrow. They need them to keep pushing. Keep progressing. Keep making the decisions ahead more difficult. Because when that happens, the forecast in Phoenix begins to change.
Summer Bright Side Baller Standings
Two games. Two Bright Side Baller awards for Khaman Maluach. And you know what? I wouldn’t want it any other way…
Summer Bright Side Baller Nominees
Game 3 against the Bucks. Here are your nominees:
Khaman Maluach
21 points (5-of-10, 1-of-4 3PT), 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 4 blocks, 1 turnover, +18 +/-
Koa Peat
19 points (8-of-15), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 turnover, +18 +/-
Koby Brea
19 points (6-of-12, 6-of-11 3PT), 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +16 +/-
Darius Brown II
14 points (4-of-6, 4-of-5 3PT), 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, -7 +/-
Rasheer Fleming
9 points (3-of-7, 3-of-5 3PT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, -12 +/-
Corey Camper Jr.
2 points (1-of-5, 0-of-2 3PT), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 turnovers, +10 +/-
Vote away!
