Valley Heat Check: What Suns Beat Writers Are Debating

Rebounding still worries. Bright Side of the Sun's Tom Mildenberger wrote that fixing Phoenix's rebounding will take a full team effort. Khaman Maluach answered part of that in the preseason win against the Spurs with 15 boards, but Mark Williams remains out since September 11 with a left shoulder issue, with no return date set.

Best player, double edge. Valley of the Suns' Luke Duffy called Dillon Brooks looking like Phoenix's best player a double-edged sword. Brooks led the team in scoring in three straight preseason games, but his September 30 misdemeanor DUI charge still carries no reported resolution, the real edge in that read.

Faith in the rookie. Duffy also wrote that Brooks' trust in Maluach is a vote of confidence, a veteran forward backing a 20-year-old center early in his career. That trust is building ahead of the regular-season opener on October 21 at Portland.

Green runs the point. Duffy wrote that Jalen Green is embracing the floor-general role the Suns need. He backed it up against the Spurs with five assists, part of a stretch in which his minutes have climbed 13 a night whenever a teammate sits out.

More than a shooter. Bright Side's John Voita wrote that Luke Kennard is showing he's more than a shooter, and Duffy added that a clearly defined role is why he can succeed in Phoenix. Kennard scored 20 points on 6-of-9 shooting against the Spurs, 14 of them by halftime.

Maluach holds his own. Arizona Sports' Kellan Olson reported Maluach fared well in his matchup with Victor Wembanyama. His line from that game, 10 points and 15 rebounds, with three assists, a steal and one blocked shot, backs up the read.