Duke’s hoop fans have had Cooper Flagg’s name on the radar for a long time. But in the last match against Mount St. Mary’s, all eyes were on Khaman Maluach. Duke’s center star, representing South Sudan at the Olympic Games last summer, was everything the fandom needed.
Maluach has averaged 8.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks through the ACC Tournament. All eyes were on him midway through the opening half in the last match. With the Blue Devils already up by 15, Maluach drifted to the perimeter to relieve pressure on Tyrese Proctor. This left Maluach unguarded.
Maluach went on to score a three-pointer. Moments after this, he capitalized on Mount St. Mary’s turnover. He finished a back-to-back alley-oop dunk. In 57 seconds, he put up seven points and finished the game with nine points. Undoubtedly, this has left fans and scouts intrigued!
Where Will Khaman Maluach End Up?
Maluach is perhaps one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. He is 7-foot-2, provides size and defensive presence, and has an offensive skill set. Through 25 games, Maluach has averaged 8.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. And has shot 72% from the field and 74% from the free-throw line. Those stats are hard to ignore. S, which teams would be looking to draft Maluach this year?
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
While the Thunder might not urgently need a center right now, Maluach is ideal for their long-term goals. He is a rim-running and shot-blocking big man with the potential to stretch the floor. While he is still raw, OKC could bring out the best in him. Especially with Isaiah Hartenstein’s future uncertain, drafting Maluach could be the best strategic move.
2. Toronto Raptors
For the Raptors, Maluach would be a gain of the decade. They have been searching for a center to anchor their defense, and Maluach could be the answer. His length and mobility make him an excellent fit for Toronto’s defensive schemes. His ability to finish inside would also be a welcome addition to their lineup. Currently, Maluach is projected as a seventh-pick candidate and could be the missing piece in Toronto’s rebuilding process.
3. Chicago Bulls
The new issue with the Bulls is that they are outside the range of instant-impact stars. This means Maluach is a high-upside pick. He brings the size and rebounding ability that the Bulls so desperately need. He’s only been playing basketball for about five years, so his ceiling is still incredibly high. This gives him an added enticing advantage to a team looking to the future.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
With the Sixers heading toward a lottery pick, Maluach could be the addition they need for their frontcourt rotation. Joel Embiid indeed remains the cornerstone of the franchise; it is also true that the Sixers have struggled to find reliable size off the bench. Maluach’s ability to finish, block shots, and develop into floor-spacing big makes him perfect for them. If they land within the No. 5 or 6 range, Maluach could be a wise investment to improve depth on the Sixers roster.
5. Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is another team that needs to focus on a long-term center solution. And no doubt, Maluach fits the bill. The Blazers are in the midst of a rebuild, and adding a high-upside prospect like Maluach could help set them up for sustained success. While Maluach needs time to develop, Portland’s patient approach might be precisely what Maluach needs.
What Is Next for Khaman Maluach?
Maluach may not be the flashiest prospect in this year’s draft class, but he is an asset to any team that decides to draft him.
KEEP READING: V.J. Edgecombe NBA Draft Projections: 5 Potential Landing Spots for the Baylor’s Guard
Whether it’s Oklahoma City, Toronto, Chicago, Philadelphia, or Portland, Maluach has a promising future in the NBA. Now, it is simply a matter of finding the right fit.
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