ONE OF the premier big men in the 2025 NBA Draft crop, Khaman Maluach offers plenty of size and two-way impact, and is one of several Duke Blue Devils expected to be taken in the top 10 in a few months’ time.

Maluach stands an impressive seven-foot-two, but is very mobile for his size, and runs the rim extremely well in pick and rolls. His finishing at the cup makes him a consistently dangerous prospect, and he shot 71 per cent from the field, showing just how efficient he is close to the rim.

Perhaps Maluach’s biggest strength is his defensive impact, with the big man arguably the best defender in the draft crop. His wingspan allows him to block or affect most shots in the paint when he is in the vicinity with a nine-foot-eight standing reach, which helped him average 1.3 blocks per game.

On the season, the big man averaged 8.7 points and 6.8 rebounds, and even tried his hand at three-point shooting, which suggests this is an area that could be developed as his career progresses.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will run through some of the clearest comparisons to already established NBA talents, with Fears drawing similarities to some of the best defensive bigs currently in the NBA.

Mark Williams – Charlotte Hornets

Although most known for his botched trade to the Lakers in recent months, Williams has been progressing into one of the most exciting bigs in the competition for the Hornets. A former Blue Devil himself, Williams was selected by Charlotte with the 15th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and after a short stint in the G League, began progressing at a rapid rate, and is now one of the most reliable performers on the roster. He averaged 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game throughout the 2024/25 season, and is now one of the top bigs in the Eastern conference. The similarities between the two players are largely within their wingspan and mobility, with both players able to motor up and down the floor with ease, and can outwork their opponent with excellent conditioning. If Maluach becomes as dangerous as Williams on the offensive end, it will be a huge positive for whichever side drafts him.

Rudy Gobert – Minnesota Timberwolves

Drawing comparisons to a four-time Defensive Player of the Year is quite a lot to live up to, but the similarities cannot be ignored. Both players have a massive standing reach, and use it to impact the game on the defensive end. Gobert is known as one of the best defenders of the modern era, blocking shots at a consistent rate and becoming a defensive anchor for both the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves. A three-time All-Star, the Frenchman is an intimidating presence in the paint, and makes his team much better. Although not averaging as many blocks, Maluach’s defensive presence is just as prominent, and his ability to impact shots inside the paint is one of his biggest strengths.

Mitchell Robinson – New York Knicks

Although he has spent some time on the sidelines, Robinson is still one of the better defensive big men in the NBA when he is fit and firing. Drafted with the 36th pick in 2018, Robinson set Summer League records for rebounds and blocks, making an immediate impact upon joining the Knicks. Although his time on the court has been limited over the past seven years, Robinson has become known as a lob threat, rebounder and paint protector for New York. Much like Robinson, Maluach excels in all three key areas, and should be able to translate them to the NBA.