Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; National League New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) makes a catch during the third inning against the American League at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Making his fifth All-Star appearance, Soto went 1-for-2 with a single and a strikeout against a pair of pitchers he’s historically struggled against. The AL defeated the NL 4-0, with Soto’s knock among the NL’s three hits.
Batting second and starting in left field, Soto struck out by chasing an outside fastball against AL starter and Toronto Blue Jays’ ace Dylan Cease. Soto is just 2-for-11 with five strikeouts and a home run against Cease all-time.
Soto finally got the better of Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan, singling up the middle in the fourth inning. Soto is 0-for-7 in his career against Ryan. Soto’s single was the only NL hit until Chicago Cubs Pete Crow-Armstrong singled in the eighth inning.
Soto was brilliant for the Mets in the first half of the season despite missing multiple weeks with a leg injury. He’s second in the NL in OPS (.967) and tied for seventh in home runs (21).
The Mets are back in action Thursday against the Phillies at 7:10 EDT on ESPN.
The American League entered this night as winners of 11 of the last 13 All-Star Games, the exceptions being a National League win in 2023 in Seattle and last year’s swing-off in Atlanta, with Kyle Schwarber the swing-off hero and MVP of the game.
Playuer introductions included each player in the starting lineup going to sign a lineup card set to look like the Declaration of Independence. Did you like that? [VIDEO]
After that, American League hitters took it out on Cristopher Sánchez of the Phillies, one of the better pitchers im MLB this year, who had a 50.2 inning scoreless streak earlier in the year. Not on this night — he allowed three hits and a pair of walks, leading to a three-run American League first inning. In 20 starts during the regular season, know how many times Sánchez walked at least two? Six times, and he threw at least 5.1 innings in each of those six. Somehow, in front of his home fans, he fell apart with a 34-pitch outing.
After that the game kind of screeched to a halt for a while. The NL didn’t have a hit until Juan Soto of the Mets singled leading off the fourth. But the AL stars couldn’t score again either, and had just two other hits through the top of the fifth.
Caminero didn’t even go to first base before being replaced by Miguel Vargas of the White Sox, instead going to the clubhouse for treatment. The good news is that he’s okay:
Riley O'Brien went to check on Junior Caminero as he received X-rays here at the ballpark. O'Brien wanted to do so personally.
X-rays came back negative for Rays slugger, and O'Brien and Caminero hugged.
Nice pick there by former Cub Willson Contreras, too.
The only Cubs representative, Pete Crow-Armstrong, entered the game as a defensive replacement in the top of the sixth. In the eighth they mic’d him up and what did he talk about? The Chicago Bears!
PCA got the NL’s second hit of the night with one out in the eighth, a single to center, but he was stranded.
The NL wound up with a third hit, by Otto Lopez in with two out in the ninth, avoiding becoming the second team to get only two hits in an All-Star game. That was the NL at Wrigley Field in 1990. Next year, of course, the All-Star festivities will return to Wrigley — presuming the 2027 season goes off as scheduled. Let’s hope so.
The 2026 MLB season resumes Thursday with a single nationally televised game, also from Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Mets on ESPN. The Cubs will resume play Friday at Wrigley Field at 7:05 p.m. CT with TV coverage via Marquee Sports Network.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 14: Riley O'Brien #61 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws a pitch during the third inning of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The American League did what it seems the American League always does in All-Star games as they jumped out to a lead in the first inning. After Mike Trout struck out, Yordan Álvarez singled up the middle and Shea Langeliers walked. Junior Caminero then grounded out moving both Álvarez and Langeliers up to second and third with two out. Bobby Witt Jr. drew a walk to load the bases. Back-to-back singles by Cory Bellinger and Ben Rice gave the AL a quick 3-0 lead.
The first St. Louis Cardinal to enter the All-Star game was Riley O’Brien and to say he had an eventful top of the 3rd inning would be an understatement. After giving up a leadoff single to Shea Langeliers, Riley lost control of a 97 mph sinker which plastered Junior Caminero in the left hand fingers causing him to collapse to the ground in pain. The good news is the x-rays taken at the park came back negative for broken bones according to the TV broadcast.
Junior Caminero was slow to get up and left the game after being hit by this pitch. pic.twitter.com/0pwJZu1kNv
Leave it to Riley to create a crisis and then pitch his way out of it. He got Bobby Witt Jr. to ground out to third for what looked like a double play, but was denied on a challenge. O’Brien got Cody Bellinger to fly out to left and then struck out Ben Rice to end the top of the 3rd inning with no runs scored. Drama, but no runs has been the story of many St. Louis Cardinals bullpen moments in the first half of the season, so including it in an All-Star game appearance makes sense.
Brief Editorial Rant: I am a lifelong diehard baseball fan, but I was honestly bored to death for the first 7 innings of this All-Star game. There were no extra base hits until the top of the 8th inning. That streak was interrupted by Miguel Vargas who launched a 88 mph slider into one of the upper decks of Citizens Bank Park to make it 4-0 American League. Combine that dearth of offense with awkward pauses in the game for MLB skits and you get a recipe for a substandard All-Star game. Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.
I also sat impatiently waiting for Cardinals not named Riley O’Brien to enter the All-Star game. I know it must be a challenge for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to work all the players into the game, but how did Jordan Walker not make a more prominent appearance after his stunning Home Run Derby appearance? Iván Herrera finally was given an at-bat in the bottom of the 8th inning with PCA on first base. He grounded into an inning-ending force out at 2nd.
Jordan WalkerFINALLY entered the All-Star game in the bottom of the 9th inning. He was first up to face Aroldis Chapman. Chapman didn’t seem to want to throw Jordan a fastball as he threw 2 splitters and 2 sinkers to strike Walker out with only 1 four-seam fastball in the mix.
For the night, the National League only managed three miserable hits (all singles). The American League notched 7 hits and 4 runs including the 1 exciting home run, but even that seemed dull overall. Oh, PCA did say that he likes the turf in Busch Stadium during his in-game interview with the Fox broadcasters, so that was news. Can it be Friday any faster so we can resume the real entertaining baseball season again?
The fireworks were delayed, but Miguel Vargas made sure it was worth the wait.
The Chicago White Sox third baseman woke up Citizens Bank Park with an absolute bomb for the first home run of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in the top of the eighth inning. Vargas connected on a slider on the inner half of the plate from Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski and boomed it 433 feet into the second deck in left field to put the American League up 4-0.
The AL All-Stars got off to a quick 3-0 lead after ambushing National League starter Christopher Sánchez in his home ballpark. But the bats quickly cooled off from both sides after that until Vargas' solo shot in the penultimate frame to break up the pitchers party.
Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals defeated Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber to claim the title of Home Run King on Monday night.
USA TODAY at MLB All-Star Game
The 2026 Midsummer Classic has arrived, and USA TODAY will have reporters on the ground in Philadelphia and at home eager to deliver the goods. From media day and the Home Run Derby, to the red carpet and All-Star Game, we'll have everything covered .
Wrobo rung in his 26th birthday by striking out the American League side, putting down Cleveland Guardians rookie Travis Bazzana, Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela and Tampa Bay Rays slugger Yandy Díaz in order on 12 pitches.
Through all three batters, the first-time All-Star was aggressive in the zone and showed exceptional command of his fastball, drawing five whiffs on the six times he threw it, two of which punched out Rafaela and Díaz for the third strike.
It's a departure from Wrobleski's usual style of pitching for contact, though the third-year pitcher out of Oklahoma State finished off the first half of the season with 20 strikeouts over his last two starts, an uptick from his 21% K rate and 10% whiff rate.
But overall, Wrobo has had a career year on the mound posting a 2.69 ERA through 15 starts, seventh-best in the National League and his personal best in three big league seasons. His 1.02 WHIP also ranks fourth in the NL.
Wrobleski was initially left off the NL All-Star roster, but told reporters he didn't make any plans for All-Star Week just in case. Call it intuition, manifestation, or whatever but it paid off on Saturday when manager Dave Roberts personally called Wrobleski to let him know he'd been selected as a last-minute replacement for Cincinnati Reds right hander Chase Burns.
“I was not happy that I wasn’t going to be a part of it,” Wrobleski told reporters. “And obviously, getting the news that I’m going to be able to go there and do it, it’s super exciting. Wide range of emotions.”
Roberts called upon Wrobleski for the eighth inning after musing about letting him get a second turn on the mound, but it didn't go as well as he gave up the first home run of the night to Miguel Vargas, himself a former top Dodgers prospect.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Tre Carroll #77 of the Washington Wizards boxes out during the game against the Chicago Bulls on July 14, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards had their NBA Summer League record blemished for the first time Tuesday in a 99-87 loss to the Chicago Bulls at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
The undermanned Wiz started the game off strong, racing to a 9-0 lead against a Bulls squad on the second night of a back-to-back. With no AJ Dybantsa, Will Riley, or Tre Johnson, it was Chris Livingston who picked up the scoring slack throughout the night.
The Kentucky alum led Washington with seven points, giving his team a 21-15 lead in a sloppy first quarter that featured 13 fouls and 13 turnovers. Juju Reese also brought some energy with his board work with 4 points and 4 rebounds.
Livingston stayed hot with five quick points to start the second quarter to extend the lead back up to nine. But the Wizards allowed the Bulls to get back in with the three-ball. Chicago connected on four triples and a three-point free throw from Caleb Wilson to overtake Washington 37-36 at the half.
The third quarter saw Felix Okpara flash some of his potential. He rolled his way to the rim for a couple of dunks and even showed off a midrange jumper. He’ll become an instant lob threat for Trae Young if he’s able to scratch out a few minutes in Brian Keefe’s rotation.
An Okpara free throw for two points tied the game at 57. That marked the beginning of the end for the Wizards, as turnovers and shoddy transition defense allowed the bulls to go on a 23-6 run extending to the fourth quarter.
Washington had almost as many turnovers (6) as shot attempts (7) during that stretch, as Chicago cruised to the 12-point victory.
Livingston paced the Wizards with 21 points scored in a variety of ways. He drained a couple of threes, finished several strong drives to the rim, and even showed off some counter moves when the defense cut him off in the lane.
Okpara finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and a block. Kadary Richmond and Seth Trimble combined for 24 points, but only shot 6-for-19 from the field.
The Wizards have a quick turnaround with a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night on the same floor.
After the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday night, everything stopped.
Players, coaches, managers, umpires and fans joined in to remember those we've lost and those among us who are fighting a battle against cancer.
Providing the music for this year's Stand Up To Cancer moment this year was Philadelphia band Boyz II Men. They came up together at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts before "Motown Philly" and "End of the Road" turned them into one of the biggest R&B acts of the 1990s. The city liked them enough to name a street after them – Boyz II Men Boulevard is real in Philadelphia. Patti LaBelle, also a Philadelphia native, opened the night with the national anthem.
"I'll Be There," is what Boyz II Men chose to carry the crowd through the Stand Up To Cancer moment.
As they sang, fans, players, coaches and umpires held the names of those close to them touched by cancer, including Derek Jeter, who held up the name of former Yankees outfielder Gerald Williams. The 14-year major leaguer died in February 2022 after a battle with cancer. Jeter announced the death himself, calling Williams "one of my best friends in the world."
Boyz II Men weren't just a hit for the hometown crowd. American League manager John Schneider was into it, too. He went up to them after their performance and shook their hands.
"That was cool. Me and (Twins manager Derek Shelton) were sitting there talking like, wow, this is kind of cool here in Philly. You know, brings you back to your teenage days a little bit," the Toronto Blue Jays manager said. "I thought that everything, every performance, was cool. From that to the anthem to 'God Bless America.' Everything was really cool. Awesome to shake their hand and say, hey, huge fan. You know what I mean, for a 46-year-old dude saying huge fan."
The partnership between MLB and Stand Up To Cancer goes back to 2009, and they have done the same moment at every All-Star Game to help raise awareness. MLB and its 30 teams have put tens of millions of dollars behind Stand Up To Cancer ever since, money the organization credits with helping produce nine FDA-approved cancer treatments.
Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals defeated Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber to claim the title of Home Run King on Monday night.
USA TODAY at MLB All-Star Game
The 2026 Midsummer Classic has arrived, and USA TODAY will have reporters on the ground in Philadelphia and at home eager to deliver the goods. From media day and the Home Run Derby, to the red carpet and All-Star Game, we'll have everything covered .
“The sky is the limit,” Ball said. “I’m just going to show up and try to learn and do the best I can.”
Ball will be paired alongside franchise superstar Anthony Edwards.
“I’ve known Ant for a minute,” Ball said. “We’ve been talking, and everybody is excited. We’re ready to get to work.”
Ball made more than $35 million a year in each of the last two years after signing a contract extension in 2023. He remains under contract, making more than $40 million, for each of the next three years. Minnesota paid a hefty price to acquire the guard.
“I feel like we could do a lot,” Ball said. “It means a lot when someone values you.”
The Hornets traded Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota in exchange for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030), and three second-round picks.
“It gives us a point guard and gives us great size in the West,” Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said. “You need to have a big backcourt and we learned that through the playoffs.”
Finch also believes that Ball will have the ability to help elevate the offense.
“He can unlock (Rudy Gobert) to another level at the rim,” Finch said of what Ball can offer the team. “We’ve got to find a way to generate more catch-and-shoot 3-point shots for Anthony (Edwards), who is elite at that and take some of the burden of handling and creating off his hands.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 14: Seth Trimble #55 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball against Boo Buie #20 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 14, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards will play the Los Angeles Clippers tomorrow night in the NBA Summer League. Let’s preview this one.
Game info
When: Wednesday, July 14 at about 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas
How to watch: ESPN, Monumental Sports Network
What to watch for
The Wizards are 2-1 in NBA Summer League action after losing to the Chicago Bulls just a few minutes ago. They will play against the Clippers, who will begin play the Los Angeles Lakers as of the time I’m writing this. LA is 1-1 before the Lakers game. Keaton Wagner is the No. 5 overall pick in the NBA draft but he won’t play against AJ Dybantsa, who is sitting out the rest of Summer League.
This game is effectively a chance for the reserve Summer League Wizards players to make a final impression before training camp contracts and potential Capital City Go-Go offers come out.
Still, I’d like to see the Wizards finish their first four games with a 3-1 record.
American League All-Stars third baseman Junior Caminero (13) of the Tampa Bay Rays is hit by a pitch in the third inning of the All-Star Game on July 14, 2026.
Rays fans can catch their breath — for now.
Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero exited Tuesday night’s All-Star Game in the top of the third inning after getting drilled on the left hand on a pitch from Cardinals right-hander Riley O’Brien.
Immediately after being hit with a 98-mph fastball from O’Brien, the American League All-Star fell to the ground as his helmet also came off.
Caminero remained on the ground in pain before popping up shortly after and walking off under his own power.
X-rays came back negative, and he is considered day-to-day, a good sign for the Rays.
“Yeah, in the moment I was just scared, right,” Caminero told reporters after the AL’s 4-0 win through an interpreter, according to MLB.com. “Kind of in that situation, right there in the moment, you’re thinking the worst, and I honestly thought something might have been broken. But look, thank you to God that everything’s fine, and now it’s just a little bit sore, but we’re all good.”
The Rays lead the AL East at 56-38 despite low expectations entering the season, and part of that reason is because of Caminero.
American League All-Stars third baseman Junior Caminero (13) of the Tampa Bay Rays is hit by a pitch in the third inning of the All-Star Game on July 14, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Caminero has been their offensive engine, as he’s hit 28 home runs and has a .927 OPS through 94 games.
The 23-year-old also took part in Monday night’s Home Run Derby and fell to eventual winner Jordan Walker in the semifinals.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards walks on the court during a break in the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game against the Utah Jazz at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Wizards fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week’s SB Nation Reacts survey is simple. Which rookie of the 2026-27 season will have the best NBA career? Vote below!
It’s the type of welcome you’d expect a rival crowd to give you.
And no, it wasn’t just for a player or coach.
At the MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, Phillies fans loudly booed Mr. and Mrs. Met as they were introduced and presented on the scoreboard.
In front of a sea of Phillies shirts and hats, Mrs. Met led the charge by walking on top of the first base dugout with her hands out wide.
Mr. & Mrs. Met receive loud boos as they’re introduced in Philadelphia for the All-Star Game pic.twitter.com/3qhYPDM3WA
Mr. Met followed, and it’s safe to say he had fun on top of the dugout — even if Philadelphia fans were jeering loudly.
Mr. Met crouched down and appeared to be doing pushups before pumping his fist.
Even if it seemed harsh, the welcome makes sense. The Mets and Phillies are longtime division rivals. The Phillies lead the all-time series 565-534-1, though the Mets won the only playoff series between the two teams during the 2024 NLDS.
New York Mets mascots Mr. Met and Mrs. Met walk the red carpet during the All-Star Red Carpet Show at Independence Mall. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This season, the rivalry has swung in the Phillies’ favor, as they lead the season series 4-2, which includes a convincing 15-3 win on June 20.
In addition to booing Mr. and Mrs. Met, attendees booed Juan Soto, who’s been in the National League East for the majority of his career, starting with the Nationals and now with the Mets.
Fans also booed the contingent from the rival Braves when they were introduced, and even chirped at Jordan Walker, who won the Home Run Derby in a thriller over Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber on Monday.
Mr. Met flexes his muscles to the booing Philadelphia fans before the start of the All-Star Game. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Juan Soto receives his boos as he’s introduced at the All-Star Game in Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/g9LtO0hqgz
Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez fittingly got the start for the NL, but yielded three runs in the first inning, courtesy of singles from Yankees stars Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice.
PHILADELPHIA — Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero was struck on the left hand by a pitch from St. Louis Cardinals closer Riley O'Brien in the top of the third inning and was immediately removed from the 96th All-Star Game, but appears to have avoided injury.
X-rays were negative, and Caminero said he will play Friday, when the Rays open the second half with a doubleheader at Boston.
O'Brien's 97.6 mph sinker came on the second pitch of the at-bat and hit Caminero on the outside of his left hand. He immediately sprawled on the ground, stayed down for a minute and then bounced up and jogged into the American League dugout.
"I'm fine. Thank God nothing is broken," Caminero said via a translator in the middle innings of Tuesday's game. "I was just scared."
O'Brien was with Caminero in the AL clubhouse when Caminero received his X-ray results.
American League and Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said he texted his Tampa Bay counterpart Kevin Cash with Caminero's test results, relieved one of the league's greatest players seemingly dodged a bullet.
"That's the last thing anyone wants to see," Schneider said after the AL's 4-0 victory. "I know X-rays on Junior's pinky were negative, and everything seems to be okay. I shot Kevin Cash a text right after that happened, and he was appreciative of that.
"We'll see them in about a week, so I hope Junior is all right. He's an unbelievable baseball player and even better person. You're trying to do what's right by everyone."
Caminero, 23, made his second consecutive All-Star appearance and hit 28 home runs before the All-Star break. O'Brien saved 24 first-half games for St. Louis.
PHILADELPHIA — In the early going of Tuesday’s All-Star Game, the Yankees were outscoring the National League, 3-0.
After a pregame ceremony heavy on pageantry and patriotism at Citizens Bank Park, the American League got to bat and rallied immediately against Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez, with run-scoring knocks courtesy of Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice.
Sánchez got into trouble quickly, watching Yordan Álvarez shoot a one-out single through the middle and walking Shea Langeliers, the pair then advancing a base on a ball Junior Caminero chopped into the ground.
After a Bobby Witt Jr. walk, the bases were loaded with two outs and the stage set for a couple of Yankees hitters to inflict some left-on-left damage.
Bellinger, excellent against southpaws, smacked a single through the middle to score two.
American League All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger (35) of the New York Yankees hits a two-run single on July 14, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg/New York PostNew York Yankees first baseman Benjamin Rice (22) reacts after hitting a RBI single during the first inning for the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Two pitches later, Rice singled to virtually the same spot to score one more, the two accounting for the three runs the AL would plate in the inning.
Sánchez only allowed more than two earned runs in four of his 20 starts this season.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Khaman Maluach #10 of the Phoenix Suns blocks the shot during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on July 13, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Coming into Phoenix Suns Summer League, there were conversations about the potential concern that would exist if, by this time next year, we hadn’t seen meaningful progression from second-year lottery pick Khaman Maluach. After three games in Las Vegas, I don’t think there’s much reason to worry about a lack of progression anymore.
Yes, this is Summer League, and it’s easy to overreact. But if we’re looking at this simply through the lens of progression, evaluating whether a player is displaying better physical tools and a stronger mental understanding of where he needs to be on the court, how he should attack offensively, how he should defend, and how he can become more effective, it feels like Maluach has passed this segment of the test. If you have two eyes and a heartbeat, you can’t help but get excited about what we’ve seen thus far in Las Vegas. Maluach is averaging 18.3 points, 12 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. Oh, and he’s shooting 40% from deep on five attempts per game.
And it’s not only the counting stats that look nice. It’s the manner in which he’s playing the game. He’s doing so with an energy and fervor that are palpable. He’s yelling at players after denying their shots at the cylinder. As a back-line defender, he’s communicating with his teammates, directing traffic and letting them know where they need to be.
When it’s all said and done, after playing a tough, gritty, physical game, Maluach remains insightful in his observations and thoughtful about where he stands relative to his progression.
“It’s really important, by taking care of every rep and not taking any rep for granted,” Khaman said after his performance in the Suns’ 95-88 win over the Bucks on Monday night. “It’s a process, my time eventually will come, and I just gotta be ready for the opportunity that I don’t have rather than having an opportunity, and I’m ready for it.”
He’s 19, man. Damn, that was eloquently put. Forgive me as I take a few moments to gameplan how I am going to repair the wall I just ran through.
To see this progression is heartwarming for multiple reasons. First, he’s the kind of player you root for. Ever since the Phoenix Suns drafted him 10th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, it was clear that he was an intelligent, insightful, interesting human being. He’s the kind of player you want to see succeed because you want to see the character he displays as a person rewarded on the basketball court.
Second, the Suns have a dire need for a big man. It’s been five years since we’ve seen any semblance of dominance on the interior, dating back to that stretch when Deandre Ayton displayed his potential, if only for a fleeting moment. Alas, the motor wasn’t there. Certainly not in the same capacity that Maluach has displayed thus far this summer. And when you see opposing Summer League teams gameplan specifically to stop him, you ponder when the last time we witnessed that. Shaq?
As we slowly begin looking toward the horizon and wondering who the cornerstones of this organization could be five years from now, having a dominant big man would sure be nice. That’s why this progression matters. If Maluach is ever going to reach cornerstone status, he has to start crossing lines of demarcation along the way. What he’s doing in Las Vegas thus far feels like one of them, and it aligns with the potential we’ve been waiting to see.
What the future holds remains to be seen, and one thing to be cognizant of is that the Suns are not a center-centric offense schematically. What Maluach is doing in Las Vegas should not be expected to immediately translate to the big league club. When opportunities arise next season, he’ll operate within a different role, one where his ability to rebound and defend will be more valuable than his ability to score. Perhaps that’s what has made this run in Las Vegas so enjoyable. We’re getting a glimpse of the offensive potential he possesses within a system that’s allowing him to flourish.
The Phoenix Suns coaching staff is certainly taking note of what he can do, and perhaps, when the time is appropriate, they’ll adjust aspects of the system to better accommodate Maluach’s abilities.
Watching him in the Summer League has been an absolute joy. Because of the way he plays. Because of how hard he plays. Because he’s putting up impressive counting stats, but more importantly, because you can see the impact he has on the court and on his teammates. He’s 19 years old and already appears to possess leadership qualities that are difficult to teach. As for any concerns relative to his progression? At this point, I have none.
Perhaps that’s an overreaction fueled by the excitement I’ve felt watching Maluach play in Summer League. But right now, he’s hitting the checkpoints I hoped to see, and he’s passing this segment of the test with flying colors.
The future appears bright in Phoenix based on the organization’s recent drafts. The real challenge begins when the regular season arrives and the Suns have to find minutes for these young players, giving them opportunities to continue their upward trajectories while balancing the need to remain competitive. That’s why Jordan Ott gets paid the big bucks. I simply write about what he does.
