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The Phoenix Suns made a risky gamble trading up for Arizona Wildcats star Koa Peat in the 2026 NBA Draft. But after Summer league, its starting to look like a safe bet. The 6’7 forward showed off his impressive athleticism, power and rim running ability that could easily be elevated into the next level. The 19-year-old finished with 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and eight stocks on 59.5 true shooting in four Summer League games.
Despite those stellar counting stats, did Peat show enough to earn the trust of head coach Jordan Ott to get serious minutes his rookie season. In a sit-down interview on Amazon Prime, the young wing described his mentality and preparation heading into his rookie season, which could earn him a role in Ott’s rotation.
Peat’s full sit-down interview:
The powerful dunks and replay-worthy blocks are all cool highlights to show to fans, but there are still plenty of questions surround Peat’s play. In Summer League, he had 24 fouls, including 15 in the first two games. While Peat’s physicality is one of his biggest strength and over reliance leads to those type of foul numbers. Slow lateral speed lead to lazy reach-in or blocking fouls, while being an undersized power forward leads to shooting fouls on block attempts.
When playing against real NBA players, Peat will need to be more discipline because his opponent will surely take advantage of his defensive shortcomings. Ott and his staff will likely work on Peat’s post defense and not allowing his assignment to get to the block. The grown-man strength is present and breaking down his opponent in those opportunities will help limit close shots and fouls at the rim.
Peat played off ball mostly during his time in Las Vegas, and even then he still had 13 turnovers. The playmaking was lacking in his four Summer League games, and what was shown didn’t inspire much hope with a .69 AST/TO ratio. His ball control in isolation and driving toward the basket was loose, leading to him getting stripped on some occasions.
In the regular season, Peat won’t be getting those opportunities often and will likely hang out in the corners or in the dunker spot and cutting when Devin Booker or Jalen Green drive. Those were the moments during the four games he repeatedly shined. The basketball IQ is widely apparent, knowing when and not to cut when there is a driver in the lane.
Ott will have a tough decision to make because Peat’s playstyle adds another layer to his three-point centric offense. However, wings like Dillon Brooks, Miles Bridges and Rasheer Fleming will all warrant playing time ahead of the rookie. Peat has garnered Aaron Gordon comparison, which could be his ceiling as a winning player. But his early play style definitely fits the mold of a player like Bridges, an athletic forward that what he lacks shooting he more than make up with his finishing ability.
Early in the year will be a struggle for Peat to find a consistent place in the rotation. If he can cut down his bad habits, learn Ott’s system and develop alongside Bridges, a role will open up later in the year surely.
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