Before injuries hit hard, the Phoenix Suns were cruising towards the playoffs, thanks to their seasoned veterans. But with the injury bug biting, the spotlight has shifted to their trio of rookies, and it’s clear why they were initially on the sidelines.
The Suns are struggling to secure wins and keep their playoff hopes alive with rookies playing significant minutes. Head coach Jordan Ott's decision to send Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, and Koby Brea to the G League for development seems justified now.
Some fans initially clamored for a youth movement in The Valley, expecting a rebuild around younger talent. But with injuries forcing that scenario, the question remains: are those fans enjoying what they wished for?
Rasheer Fleming, for instance, is getting a crash course in defense. Check out his positioning as Pritchard drives and his quick recovery against Walsh’s aggressive attack. Fleming shows promise with his defensive instincts.
Coach Ott’s reliance on veterans like Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie, and the steady Royce O'Neale has been strategic, as these players understand what it takes to win tight games. This was evident in the tough 97-81 loss to the Boston Celtics, a team missing key stars yet still thriving.
In that game, Fleming played 21 minutes, while Brea and Maluach each logged six off the bench. They performed as expected for rookies thrust into action. Fleming’s presence is crucial, especially with Dillon Brooks sidelined, but veteran Derrick White exploited their inexperience, racking up 22 points.
With limited options, the Suns will continue to rely on these young players. Perhaps Coach Ott’s only misstep was not integrating them into the rotation sooner.
Now, they’re diving into the deep end while the team still eyes the playoffs. Based on post-All-Star break performances, the odds look slim.
Still, you can’t fault a first-year head coach like Ott for initially favoring seasoned players. It’s a strategy that might give him more time to navigate this challenging season. Winning immediately with rookies is tough, and the Suns are learning this lesson as they work to get their stars back on the court.