Suns Summer League. Koa Peat ready to make 1st impression in debut

· Yahoo Sports

LAS VEGAS – A player only gets one chance to make a first impression in the NBA.

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Koa Peat is looking forward to doing that in his NBA Summer League debut on Friday, July 10, against the Portland Trail Blazers at Cox Pavilion.

Arizona’s Family Sports and ESPNU are televising the 8 p.m. game.

“Just show these coaches and everybody that I impact winning," said Peat, after the team’s morning shootaround at Cox Pavilion.

“It's your first NBA game,” Peat said. “Trying to leave a good impression for everybody. Just go your hardest."

Phoenix enters Summer League relatively healthy outside of CJ Huntley, who is questionable with a hamstring issue.

Last year, Rasheer Fleming missed the first two games with right knee soreness.

The Suns traded into the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft to land Peat out of Arizona. He won four straight state championships at Gilbert Perry and led the Wildcats to the 2026 Final Four in his one-and-done season.

He’s now with his hometown team ready to make a strong first impression in Vegas.

“Just (show) my versatility,” Peat said. “I feel like I make my teammates better. Handling. Getting downhill. Trying to make the open shot. Finding my teammates in open spaces and all playing defense and rebounding. Something I hang my hat on is rebounding and playing defense.”

Peat, listed at 6 feet, 8 inches, 245 pounds, averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 36 games at Arizona.

Check back for updates from tonight's game.

Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at [email protected] or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suns Summer League. Koa Peat ready to make 1st impression in debut

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