The final seconds of Friday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs were a stark lesson in the pressure cooker of the NBA. Rasheer Fleming, a rookie quickly becoming a fan favorite for the Phoenix Suns, found himself at the free-throw line with a chance to tie the game. He missed both attempts, and the Suns fell by a single point. Whereas the outcome stung, the moment itself – and the reaction to it – speaks volumes about the expectations surrounding the young forward and the ongoing debate about the Suns’ optimal lineup.
The Spurs’ strategic foul, intentionally putting the ball in Fleming’s hands, wasn’t a coincidence. San Antonio recognized his 54% free-throw percentage, a clear vulnerability they exploited. It’s a tactic teams will undoubtedly employ again, and Fleming will need to learn to navigate those high-leverage situations. But the broader conversation isn’t about a missed pair of free throws. it’s about whether Fleming has earned a more prominent role, specifically a starting spot at power forward, and what that would imply for the Suns as they push toward the postseason.
Fleming, for his part, appeared unfazed by the missed shots. “They both felt good. I was calm,” he told Suns beat reporter Duane Ranken after the game. “The noise wasn’t affecting me. I think they were good shots. Just rolled in and out. I’ve been in that situation in college. I wasn’t feeling pressure to shoot them. I just couldn’t hit them. It’s definitely a learning experience as this is my first time it’s happened to me in the league. Just keep working on my shooting.” That composure, especially for a rookie, is encouraging. It suggests a resilience that will be crucial for his development.
A Compelling Case for Change
Before the missed free throws, Fleming was having a standout game, highlighted by a powerful dunk over fellow rookie Carter Bryant and a strong defensive showing against Victor Wembanyama. These moments aren’t isolated incidents; they represent a consistent upward trajectory. He’s exceeding expectations, bringing a size (6’9” with a 7’5” wingspan) and length the Suns have sought all season. He’s not simply surviving at the power forward position; he’s actively impacting the game on both ends of the court.
And the fans agree. A recent poll revealed that 61% of Suns fans believe Fleming should be inserted into the starting lineup, a clear indication of the growing confidence in his abilities. His impact extends beyond individual highlights. He can space the floor, a critical component of the Suns’ offensive system, and his defensive versatility allows him to switch and guard multiple positions. In his last 13 games, Fleming is averaging 18.5 minutes, 6.3 points, and 3.7 rebounds, shooting 48% from the field, 50% from three-point range, and 33% from the free-throw line. While the free-throw percentage needs improvement, his three-point shooting is particularly noteworthy – he currently ranks as the second-best three-point shooter among all rookies in March, according to team statistics.
The Case for Patience with O’Neale
Despite the compelling arguments for promoting Fleming, a significant portion of the fanbase – 37% – believes Royce O’Neale should retain his starting role. That sentiment isn’t without merit. In the current context, with the postseason looming, experience carries significant weight. Per FanDuel, the Suns are currently projected to be a Play-In Tournament team, meaning every possession will be magnified. O’Neale provides a level of consistency and reliability that Fleming, as a rookie, hasn’t yet established.
O’Neale’s value extends beyond scoring. He’s a capable ball-handler, often tasked with initiating the offense and ensuring smooth transitions. He understands defensive rotations and consistently makes smart decisions. While Fleming is developing those skills, O’Neale offers a steady hand in crucial moments. The Suns are wisely bringing Fleming along gradually, providing him with opportunities to learn and grow without overwhelming him. There will be a time when he’s the starting power forward – perhaps as soon as next season – but rushing that process now could be detrimental.
Balancing Development and Playoff Readiness
The Suns’ current approach – nurturing Fleming’s development while relying on O’Neale’s experience – appears to be the most prudent course of action. It allows Fleming to continue building confidence and refining his skills in a lower-pressure environment, while ensuring the team has a dependable presence in the starting lineup during the critical stretch run. This isn’t to say Fleming’s growth is being stifled; quite the contrary. He’s receiving valuable minutes and being placed in situations that demand growth, like the late-game free throws against the Spurs. Those experiences, even the ones that don’t go as planned, are invaluable.
the decision comes down to a balance between potential and proven performance. Fleming has undeniably exceeded expectations, and his potential is immense. But the playoffs demand a different level of composure and consistency. O’Neale, despite not possessing Fleming’s raw athleticism or upside, provides that stability. The Suns are betting on Fleming’s future, but they’re prioritizing experience and reliability in the present.
The Suns will continue to evaluate Fleming’s progress and adjust their approach as needed. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining his role in the postseason. The team’s upcoming schedule, including games against Western Conference contenders, will provide ample opportunities to assess his performance under pressure. Fans can expect continued monitoring of his development and a careful consideration of how best to utilize his talents as the season progresses.
What are your thoughts on the Suns’ power forward situation? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation.
