PHOENIX – Rasheer Fleming and Devin Booker continue to see growth after each a career-high 16 points in the Phoenix Suns’ 111-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.
A week ago, Fleming was enjoying being the Suns’ primary defender over guys like Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Now, the defense is picking up the aggression.
His improvement was no surprise to Booker, who has watched Suns rookies develop before. They saw it out in the 2024-25 season with Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro.
After one season, he has a new group of rookies just scratching the surface. Since training camp, Booker knew it was only a matter of time before he reached the big leagues.
“They’re in the stay-ready group. I think they’ve graduated from the stay-ready group now,” Booker said with a laugh after the game.
“We’ve watched them from the beginning. You see the potential. You saw what they can do in training camp, and I’ve seen that many times over the years. You just wait for the real game and see if it translates. They’re both doing it well.”
I asked Devin Booker how much Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Malouch have impressed him throughout the year.
“They’re in the stay-ready group. I think they’ve graduated from the stay-ready group now (laughs)… We’ve seen them from the beginning. You see the potential. You see what… pic.twitter.com/GIVyN5spZv
– Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) 9 March 2026
Suns’ Rasheer Fleming has Devin Booker’s seal of approval
This is another impressive game for Fleming. He’s learning to play off Booker, while also creating offensive opportunities for himself by rebounding or finding enough space on the floor.
As he finished his post-game press conference, Fleming came in and the media heard Booker calling their rookie a “good rookie boy.”
The St. Joe’s alumnus took his seat immediately afterward and began. When he was asked about being in that ready group during the season, it wasn’t an insult. It was exactly what he needed.
“At the end of the day it’s basketball,” Fleming explained. “When Khaman (Maluch) and I are able to play there or in the G-League, we take full advantage of that opportunity because it’s basketball and it’s another way to get better.”
I asked Rasheer Fleming how being in the Suns “Stay-Ready” group has helped him gain confidence on the floor.
“At the end of the day it’s basketball. When Khaman and I are able to play there or in the G-League, we take full advantage of that opportunity because… pic.twitter.com/h5JLFhKqgj
– Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) 9 March 2026
The rookie will embark on a six-game road trip with his team. They will face the Milwaukee Bucks where Fleming may face a tough matchup in Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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