It's certainly going to be an interesting 2025-26 season for the Phoenix Suns — [Devin Booker's still going to be leading the way](https://valleyofthesuns.com/suns-continue-grant-devin-booker-long-time-wish), but there's a lot of uncertainty outside of that fact. When it comes to the Suns' center rotation, it's looking like things are going to be lining up for the rookie Khaman Maluach to prove his worth early on.
Phoenix's situation at the center position has to be the most interesting of any positional group. They currently roster Mark Williams, Nick Richards, Oso Ighodaro, and Maluach. Richards is the most veteran of the bunch, but there doesn't seem to be any clear indication of a hierarchy among these four guys, at least for the time being.
You would probably say that Mark Williams is the most physically gifted of the bunch. As of last season, he was the only player in the NBA with a longer wingspan than Victor Wembanyama. His experience as a starter for two seasons with the Charlotte Hornets seems like it might give him a leg up in the rotation, but nothing is set in stone.
There are certainly reasons to think Maluach could gain an edge in minutes over all three of the other guys. Williams' physical tools give him an unquestioned advantage, but there were repeated questions about his motor following multiple injuries during his time in Charlotte.
Khaman Maluach has an opportunity to become the Suns' starting center
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Richards has built a reputation as a solid backup center, but it's still not certain he's consistent enough to be a viable long-term starter in this league. As for Ighodaro, he's every bit as young an inexperienced as Maluach is. Even if he has a year's experience more than the rookie, the two are basically on the same level playing field.
Khaman [showed Suns fans a lot of exciting flashes](https://valleyofthesuns.com/phoenix-suns-khaman-maluach-nba-draft-guru-quiet-part-out-loud-raw-prospect-develop-devin-booker) during his collegiate season at Duke University as well as at NBA Summer League. Most guys who are 7-foot-2 are not running the floor or moving nearly as well as Maluach does.
He already has a very solid feel for the game at the professional level. Maluach blocks and alters shots extremely well due to a well-established combination of size and basketball IQ. And while his jump shot may be a work in progress, there's already some good signs there.
There's absolutely a path for Khaman Maluach to become a menace on the interior in Phoenix. He's going to have to beat out his competition to get the minutes he needs, but he's more than capable of doing so. The opportunity is there for the young big man, and he may very well shift the strategy of the Suns' coaching staff in year one with his skill.