Devin Booker says Suns rookie 'graduated' following career-night Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker joked during his postgame press conference that rookie Rasheer Fleming has "graduated" after a standout performance in the Suns’ 111-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Fleming, who scored a career-high 16 points, has continued to develop rapidly, earning praise from Booker for his growth as a player. Fleming’s performance marked a significant step forward, especially as he transitioned from focusing on defense to contributing more on offense. A week prior, he had been tasked with guarding high-profile opponents like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, but now his offensive skills are catching up. Booker, who has seen multiple Suns rookies progress over the years, noted that Fleming and fellow rookie Khaman Maluach have moved beyond the "stay-ready" group—a term used to describe players still learning the ropes. "Both of them are doing it well," Booker said, laughing after the game. "We watched them from the beginning. You see the potential. You saw what they can do in training camp, and I’ve seen that plenty of times over my years. You just wait for the real game and see if it translates." Fleming echoed Booker’s sentiment, emphasizing the value of playing in the G-League and staying-ready opportunities. "It’s basketball at the end of the day," he said. "When Khaman and I are able to play in that, or the G-League, we take advantage, full advantage of that opportunity because it’s basketball and it’s another way to get better." The 20-year-old Fleming, a former St. Joe’s standout, has been working to integrate himself into the Suns’ offense while also improving his defensive versatility. His ability to create space, rebound, and find open shots has drawn attention, and Booker’s postgame praise highlighted his progress.#phoenix_suns #devin_booker #khaman_maluach #rasheer_fleming #st_joes
Rasheer Fleming Shines with Career-High Performance Against Hornets Rasheer Fleming delivered a standout performance in the Phoenix Suns’ 111-99 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, scoring a career-high 16 points in just 23 minutes off the bench. The rookie forward’s contributions were crucial in helping the Suns maintain their lead against the road-faring Hornets, who had previously won 10 consecutive away games. Fleming’s ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc played a significant role in the win, as he made two of his career-best four three-pointers in the third quarter. Fleming’s efforts came as a counterpoint to fellow Suns rookie Khaman Maluach, who also had a strong game but did not dominate the spotlight. The 6-foot-9 forward’s shooting accuracy has improved notably, with a 55.6% clip (8 for 15) this month. His three-point shooting has been a focus area since his time in the G League, and the results are now showing. In February, Fleming shot 7 for 17 from long range, but his efficiency has increased significantly in recent weeks. The Suns’ victory was bolstered by a balanced offensive attack, with three players scoring over 20 points. Devin Booker led the way with 30 points, including a perfect 15-of-15 performance from the free-throw line. Jalen Green added 24 points, shooting 8 of 19, while Collin Gillespie contributed 24 points and five three-pointers. Fleming’s 16 points came on 6-of-8 shooting, complemented by two rebounds, both of which came off the offensive glass. Coach Devin Booker praised Fleming’s performance after the game, highlighting the rookie’s impact on the team’s success. Fleming’s ability to step up in key moments, particularly in the third quarter, was a turning point for the Suns.#charlotte_hornets #phoenix_suns #devin_booker #rasheer_fleming #khaman_maluach
