Have the Suns found their secret weapon for deep postseason run in 2026?
· Yahoo Sports
GLENDALE – Before Friday’s 122-115 loss to the Toronto Raptors, the Phoenix Suns were in the middle of their best stretch of the season. Winners of six of its last seven games, Phoenix have finally found a groove after a 2-6 period due to injuries. Health is a massive part of why head coach Jordan Ott’s squad is rolling, but the emergence of rookie wing Rasheer Fleming has been a true blessing.
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When forward Dillon Brooks broke his left hand, Ott needed to find someone to fill in at the position and Fleming has passed with flying colors. The second-round pick has appeared in 12 out of the last 13 games, averaging 18.5 minutes per game for 6.3 points and 3.8 rebounds. His latest effort against Toronto might’ve been the best overall performance from the 21-year-old.
Mar 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) dunks against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Incredible sequence by Fleming vs. Raptors:
The 44-second sequence against the Raptors illustrates Fleming’s potential as a 3-and-D guy in Ott’s rotation. In his past 12 games, Fleming is shooting 51.4% from 3 on 3.1 attempts per game, while recording five blocks in his last two games.
Fleming’s on-off numbers on Databallr.com is truly eye-opening for a guy this young. In 192 non-low leverage minutes, the 6’9 forward has a +7.0 net rating with 120.8 offensive rating and 113.8 defensive rating.
Mar 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) dribbles against Phoenix Suns forward Rasheer Fleming (20) during the first quarter at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
Brooks will return to the lineup near the end of the season, but Fleming’s minutes shouldn’t decrease. One of the biggest problems for Phoenix is the lack of playable wings on the roster. Ott has Fleming, Brooks, Ryan Dunn and Amir Coffey as 6’7-6-9 guys that are hybrid forwards that are switchable on screen and rolls to guard ballhandlers and big men in the post.
Dunn has been in and out of the lineup and Coffey arrived midseason, Fleming brings a new level of athleticism and play above the rim to the team. Whether its rim protection or crashing the offensive glass, his 7’5 wingspan is an anomaly and would cause trouble to many of the possible playoffs teams the Suns could play.
Ott could throw Fleming on Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard in the Play-In, and then turn around and guard San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle. His position flexibility and lateral defensive movement takes this team to a different level come playoff time.
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