PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 5: Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns grabs the rebound during the game against the Orlando Magic on November 5, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images Mark Bowser · SB Nation Sat, November 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM UTC · 3 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Phoenix Suns moved Oso Ighodaro into the starting lineup for Thursday's win against the Orlando Magic. Many called for a change to the lineup (or multiple changes , which is another article for another day). He is a somewhat polarizing player, with staunch fans and outspoken skeptics. I'll make a case for this being absolutely the right move for this team, right now.
Khaman Maluach is learning game by game. Working on his body (and hopefully hands) to get stronger. He has an awesome frame and, at 20 years old, is just beginning to learn the nuances of NBA success. He has a mostly high effort level and wants to be good. However, the NBA is littered with players thrust into action before developing properly – and then losing confidence, picking up bad habits. Time on the court in meaningful minutes is needed to progress toward the objective of becoming a solid NBA starting center. The current situation with Mark Williams out well into 2027 allows for consistent 15-20 minute nights. Handing the "starter" keys could put him on a path more closely aligned to former Suns top-10 pick Josh Jackson (sorry to those with draft PTSD here).
Back to Oso. The Phoenix starting lineup needs more connectivity and flow on offense? Check. Struggling horrifically on defense? Check. Per HoopsJunkie.io , Ighodaro's on/off defensive rating of -17.2 points per 100 possessions ranks EIGHTH in the NBA! This is in spite of being a below-average defensive rebounder (141st in the NBA in DREB%). Keep in mind, he suffered a right oblique strain in the opener and is likely just rounding back into form now. I've referenced DARKO several times as a great tool to project overall player value at a moment in time.
Through last season, his projected value was steadily growing. Once fully healthy, it is reasonable to expect that progression to continue. He looks bigger and stronger. His turnovers are down. While the results are not there yet at the free-throw line, he looks smoother (and commentators have noticed the same). With a DARKO of 1.0, compared to a -1.6 for Maluach, the model predicts more positive impact on winning in the present.
Oso and Ryan Dunn, to an even greater extent early this season, are developing players. They show what development can look like for players drafted 40th and 28th, respectively. With his raw talents (drafted 10th) and willingness to work, Maluach's ultimate success depends on development done the right way. This franchise needs Man Man to get there for the long run – and needs Oso right now to stabilize a starting lineup that was in disarray.
Source: Sports
