While everyone is talking about Cooper Flagg, many are forgetting that Duke has two possible Top 10 picks, the other being South Sudanese big man Khaman Maluach. The man from South Sudan stands at 7’1 and is one of the most imposing bigs from the class. The question now is, will he get drafted?
There are a lot of teams that need a big man of Khaman Maluach’s stature, and this, coupled with his largely untapped potential, has a lot of teams vying for him. Here are five possible places he can land in after the draft.
Top 5 teams South Sudanese center Khaman Maluach might get drafted to
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have a good history with international big men, and Khaman Maluach might be a good fit up north. The team might use their No. 9 overall pick on him if the other teams ahead of them don’t snatch him up first, as the seven-footer is just too good not to miss out on. The Raptors also need a defensive anchor in the middle, which means Maluach might just be the one they are looking for.
Chicago Bulls
Should Khaman Maluach not be picked in the top ten, there is one team where he might fit in perfectly, and that is the Chicago Bulls, which know a thing or two about South Sudanese players. What the Bulls need right now are rim protectors, and they might get one with Maluach. They just have to hope no other team has picked him before them.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have the No. 7 overall pick, and they might be the ones to pick the seven-footer with a 7’7″ wingspan, a 9’6 standing reach and oversized hands before anybody else. However, it is not those measurements that makes the Duke center one of the best from this class, but his athleticism and mobility, and that kind of center might find himself down in Louisiana soon.
Phoenix Suns
Khaman Maluach is largely seen as a top ten guy, especially as his height and athleticism make for a rare combo, and this is something the Phoenix Suns might not pass up if he is still around by the No. 10 pick. Phoenix has just traded their biggest star, Kevin Durant, and are rebuilding, so getting a big like Maluach might be a welcome addition.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have been lacking a bit on defense, and he might give Nic Claxton some backup in the front court. The Nets might go with the “Twin Towers” if they use their No. 8 pick on the South Sudanese big man, and it will be a scary front court to try and score on should this happen.
Related: 9 Tallest Players in College Basketball: Florida’s Olivier Rioux Leads the Pack for 2025
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
