Koa Peat scores 17 points in Suns summer debut

Peat, the 30th overall pick in June’s draft, logged 16 minutes off the bench in San Antonio. Given Phoenix’s current crop of forwards, rotation minutes may be challenging to come by early in the season. However, this group has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, which may open the door for Peat. He played well against the Spurs, but the rookie should only be rostered in dynasty leagues right now.

Peat has played well in all three of Phoenix’s games in Las Vegas, with Monday’s game being the most productive in points. The rookie forward recorded just one assist, but the Suns seemed to have no problem with him bringing the ball up the floor and facilitating. With Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Miles Bridges on the roster, Peat is unlikely to have the ball in his hands much as a rookie. However, he’s shown the ability to influence play despite offering little as a perimeter shooter.

Along with teammate Brayden Burries, Peat helped lead Arizona to its first Final Four since 2001. In 36 games, the 6-foot-7 forward averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 0.7 blocks, shooting 52.8 percent from the field and 62.3 percent from the foul line. Peat did most of his damage offensively in the paint, and he struggled with his shot at the NBA Draft Combine. That’s the area where he will need to improve, but the rebounding ability and motor will allow Peat to compete for minutes immediately. He’ll head about two hours north of where he played his college basketball, with the Arizona native’s draft rights being acquired by the Suns. How much help the Suns need in the frontcourt will depend partially on what happens with Mark Williams, who will be a restricted free agent. Peat is not a center, but his athleticism and rebounding ability will be key, especially if the Suns move on from Williams. This pick was part of a three-team deal, with Phoenix acquiring it from Dallas after Dallas acquired the draft rights of No. 25 pick Sergio De Larrea from the Knicks. New York, which moves out of the first round with the transaction, received three future second-round picks.