SNAPSHOT

An impactful big man who affects games with plays that go beyond the box score, Khaman Maluach is one of, if not the premier big man in the 2025 NBA Draft class, and has shown his ability to anchor a team on the defensive end.

Playing for the Duke Blue Devils - which is a tall order in itself given the pressure that accompanies the program - he was able to showcase an immense amount of defensive versatility as well as being a constant lob threat down the other end of the floor.

DRAFT PROFILE

Maluach's draft journey is a bit more unique than the rest of the prospects in his class, having not started to play basketball until the age of 13. He was encouraged to pick up the sport by a passer by on a motorcycle who noticed his impressive height, and the South Sudan native never looked back.

After joining the NBA Academy in Africa, Maluach announced he would be joining the Duke Blue Devils, which was a huge wrap considering how late his basketball journey started. He even got offers from schools such as UCLA, Kentucky and Kansas, showcasing how highly he was regarded.

For the Blue Devils in the 2024/25 season, Maluach posted numbers of 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, all while shooting 71.2 per cent from the field and 76.6 per cent from the free throw line.

Although his numbers may not jump off the page, Maluach was an immensely prominent player for Duke with his defensive impact and ability to affect shots and protect the paint. As a big man, his blueprint is certainly promising, and he looms as a defensive star in the coming years.

STRENGTHS

• Paint protector
• Defensive versatility
• Consistent lob threat
• Reliable finisher

IMPROVEMENTS

• Rebounding reliability
• Perimeter shooting

Without Maluach's defensive impact this season, the Blue Devils would have found the going a lot tougher against quality opponents, showcasing just how important the big man was to the team. Although he may not record as many blocks as other prospects, the eye test is a true indicator of just how many shots he affects with excellent athleticism and timing.

Despite standing a massive seven-foot-two, Maluach boasts impressive speed and eye-catching defensive versatility. His switching onto guards is enough to ensure opponents do not seek to trap him on an island out on the perimeter, and he can lock down even the most dangerous players when caught one-out.

Offensively, while he is not exactly the most rounded player, Maluach is still reliable enough as a lob threat and consistent enough at finishing inside that he can still offer production on the offensive end. If paired with an elite point guard, it could elevate his game to the next level.

Although he has a huge size advantage most of the time, the big man could do with asserting himself on the boards a bit more. If he can improve his positioning under the rim and make the most of his physicality, he could become a consistent double-double threat.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 5-10

Maluach is the best interior defender on the board, and offers plenty of versatility to match, making him a player that can lead a defence at NBA level. Expect teams to value his defensive traits highly, and he is almost certain to fall inside the top 10.