Game Day - Summer League Edition: Suns (1-1) @ Bucks (0-2), Mon 7/13/26

[Flagrant Fowl]

You're right, that 3-man front court seems to fit well together, and I hope the FO is aligning their cap timeline when it comes to handing huge extensions to Brooks and Bridges this summer.

We'll still need to be lucky when it comes to development and injuries for it to manifest.

[ShelC]

Peat looks about what I expected. He's got an offensive aggression and some offensive moves that translate right away. He goes hard left and spins back into the jumper that's predictable but works. He's got good footwork and touch in the post. It's early but the turnaround jumper looks like reliable, go-to offense and that shouldn't be overlooked. There have been a few defensive possessions where he's really moved his feet well, others where he got beat. I like his handles, his ability to grab a board and go. Real good court sense and awareness, both with the ball and without - finding teammates as a point-forward or cutting for open dunks. The question will be how he compares to pro defenders and defenses but I think he'll be a true offensive weapon sooner than later. He's not a smaller Brea relying on 3s, he's not Fleming or Maluach still trying to fit in and find their games. He's 19 but lightyears ahead in terms of feel. To be this physically developed at 19 is impressive. I still have major questions as to why he fell so far in the draft. Do teams think he's peaked and his game is what it is? Were the concerns about his 3pt shot that severe?

Fleming looks good at times and does some things that really grab your attention. But he looks robotic. I don't think his feel for the game is very high and his offensive moves look like things he's done in drills rather than within the flow of an actual game. Right now he looks like he projects to be an 8th-9th guy. I think he needs to lean into being a JYD, hustle guy crashing the boards, helping weakside and getting out on the break.

Maluach....I'm still kind of meh but warming up. He still looks like he's getting these points and rebounds because he's the biggest guy out there, same as the GLeague. The size, athleticism and agility are there in a big way. He looks leaner for sure, got rid of some baby fat. His screening looks better which is why he's getting more open for dunks off PnR. But I need to see him do it against real comp.

[Mori Chu]

https://www.espn.com/nba-summer-league/ ... -las-vegas

Another great Maluach game (21 points, 10 reb, 4 blk). Doing everything we want from him in SL. I also love the quotes and interviews he's been giving; he seems to "get it" in terms of what he needs to do, being patient, waiting for his opportunity, building his skill set. Couldn't be happier. I still think our C rotation is fine with three guys (Williams, Maluach, Oso) because Williams has injury risks and Oso can play some PF.

I'm not concerned about Fleming. Only 9 and 4 in this one, but as has been said, SL isn't really built for guys like him. Wish he were more aggressive and fluid in these SL games but I will take confidence from what we saw from him in the end of last regular season, which means more IMO.

Peat continues to look really solid. I doubt he'll get minutes in the regular season to start with, but I want to see if it translates to real games in a few months.

Brea finally shows up with some numbers (19 pts on 6-12 shooting). He had some bad misses, though. He does little else but score, so he needs to find his shot, find some spots he feels really comfortable for go-to baskets to boost his confidence. Or he needs to go play in Turkey and get better.

[specialsauce]

Bridges and Peat are basically the same conundrum as Williams and Maluach.

Both youngins have a very similar style of play to the vets in front of them, and both trade acquisitions have to be extended or they were horrible trades for one year rentals. It's a weird spot they've put themselves in if they really believe in their development.

Best case scenario Peat develops well and Bridges fits in well and we can trade Bridges next year at good value.

[Split T]

They did manage to get Williams on a good contract…tbd on the Bridges extension.

[Bucktastic365]

Are Cooper, Kon, and Khaman going to be the next Webber, Howard, Rose?

I'm thinking quite possibly....... thoughts?

[Bucktastic365]

Bridges and Peat are basically the same conundrum as Williams and Maluach.

Both youngins have a very similar style of play to the vets in front of them, and both trade acquisitions have to be extended or they were horrible trades for one year rentals. It's a weird spot they've put themselves in if they really believe in their development.

Best case scenario Peat develops well and Bridges fits in well and we can trade Bridges next year at good value.

Very sound post.

I would add that I would want a mix/match starting lineup that features more athleticism and youth to pair with Booker.

I personally would start Khaman, and have Mark as the "2nd starter" when Khaman invariably gets too tired, or gains the fouls we all know he's going to get.

[wpmiller42]

Bridges and Peat are basically the same conundrum as Williams and Maluach.

Both youngins have a very similar style of play to the vets in front of them, and both trade acquisitions have to be extended or they were horrible trades for one year rentals. It's a weird spot they've put themselves in if they really believe in their development.

Best case scenario Peat develops well and Bridges fits in well and we can trade Bridges next year at good value.

Very sound post.

I would add that I would want a mix/match starting lineup that features more athleticism and youth to pair with Booker.

I personally would start Khaman, and have Mark as the "2nd starter" when Khaman invariably gets too tired, or gains the fouls we all know he's going to get.

I've been really impressed by what I've seen of Khaman in the summer league, especially with how he has been able to play defense without fouling.

[specialsauce]

Bridges and Peat are basically the same conundrum as Williams and Maluach.

Both youngins have a very similar style of play to the vets in front of them, and both trade acquisitions have to be extended or they were horrible trades for one year rentals. It's a weird spot they've put themselves in if they really believe in their development.

Best case scenario Peat develops well and Bridges fits in well and we can trade Bridges next year at good value.

Very sound post.

I would add that I would want a mix/match starting lineup that features more athleticism and youth to pair with Booker.

I personally would start Khaman, and have Mark as the "2nd starter" when Khaman invariably gets too tired, or gains the fouls we all know he's going to get.

I would start him as well after seeing his strides

[Superbone]

Brea finally shows up with some numbers (19 pts on 6-12 shooting). He had some bad misses, though. He does little else but score, so he needs to find his shot, find some spots he feels really comfortable for go-to baskets to boost his confidence. Or he needs to go play in Turkey and get better.

Why don't you just send him to Siberia?

[Superbone]

Bridges and Peat are basically the same conundrum as Williams and Maluach.

Both youngins have a very similar style of play to the vets in front of them, and both trade acquisitions have to be extended or they were horrible trades for one year rentals. It's a weird spot they've put themselves in if they really believe in their development.

Best case scenario Peat develops well and Bridges fits in well and we can trade Bridges next year at good value.

Hopefully, they'll both be good mentors to the young guys...on the court.