Fleming is averaging 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 34.5% from 3-point range in 11.7 minutes in 51 appearances with the Suns. He had a career-high 16 points and two rebounds on March 8 in a win over the Charlotte Hornets.
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The 31st overall pick recently took on a larger role and is averaging 6.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game since the All-Star break. He scored 10 or more points in consecutive games for the first time last week.
“I just keep a mentality of being ready, whether I play a lot or a little,” Fleming told Rookie Wire about his overall mentality. “Just stay prepared, and when it comes in, just make an impact.”
Fleming saw just seven minutes per game before the All-Star break, leading the team to assign him to the G League for his consistent playing time. He averaged 17.1 points, seven rebounds and 1.4 assists on 37.3% three-point shooting in nine games with the Valley Suns.Advertisement
The 21-year-old played 34.1 minutes per game in the G League, starting each appearance. He recorded three 20-point performances, including 27 points, 12 rebounds and a season-high four assists, on December 3 in a win over the Santa Cruz Warriors.
“He’s grown a lot,” Fleming said of his overall skill set. “I feel like I can defend positions, so it definitely helps when I’m out there. I’m still working on that all season long.”
Fleming was high on the Suns’ radar entering the draft, and when he didn’t hear his name called in the first round, the team traded up to select him. He was highly touted at St. Joseph’s because of his versatility and length, with a wingspan of 7 feet, 5 1/4 inches.
The 6-foot-8 forward has shown his potential in spurts on the court throughout the season. He has impressed those around him, including All-Star teammate Devin Booker.
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“He’s in a difficult role, you know?” Booker said of Fleming. “It’s his first year and he’s thrown into the fire. He’s just learning as he goes. I try to talk to him in practice and in pre-meetings and give him as much advice as I can. But he’s got the intangibles. He’s got some natural instincts of someone who’s going to be in this league for a long time.”
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Suns news: Devin Booker praises Rasheer Fleming for his natural instincts