Duke’s towering center Khaman Maluach, compared to Dallas Mavericks’ big man Dereck Lively II by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, carries real weight. It is a real testament to the 7’2” freshman’s raw potential and a hint at the kind of impact he could have in the league.
With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching, Maluach is becoming a name to watch out for, given his jaw-dropping size and his developing skill set.
Khaman Maluach and Dereck Lively: Duke Star, Mavericks Talent
Hailing from South Sudan, he picked up a basketball at age 14, but one would never guess it watching him dominate the paint at Duke. He put up 8.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in his freshman season.
Solid numbers, sure, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Down the stretch in the NCAA Tournament, he flipped a switch, scoring in double figures in three of Duke’s five games and showing he can shine when the stakes are high.
Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2023, the 7’1” big man Lively has carved out a role as a defensive anchor and a high-flying finisher. Lively’s game is built on hustle and instincts; he’s a terror blocking shots and a vacuum cleaner on the glass. Offensively, he’s a pick-and-roll nightmare for defenses, catching lobs from Luka Dončić like it’s second nature.
His rookie season was not smooth sailing; adjusting to the NBA’s speed and physicality took him time. But now, he’s a key piece for a Mavericks team with playoff aspirations. His success shows what a young center with size and smarts can do when plugged into the right system, making him a solid benchmark for a prospect like Maluach.
Breaking Down Wasserman’s Comparison: What Ties Them Together
Wasserman didn’t pull this comparison out of thin air, he wrote, “ Maluach’s baseline appeal stems from his 7’2” size, massive wingspan, and mobility, which should translate to easy play-finishing and defense.” That’s the core of it, the duo bring a rare mix of length and agility that can disrupt games without needing a ton of touches.
Projected top-10 pick Khaman Maluach looks fantastic working out in the pre-draft process. Moving and getting off the floor extremely well, and made significant gains with his skill-level, footwork and touch over the past year at Duke. pic.twitter.com/3KceZdt9NA
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 1, 2025
But he digs deeper. He points out that Maluach’s pre-Duke footage showed off some extra tricks: a decent jumper, some ball-handling skills, and rare footwork for a guy his size. Lively’s game leans heavily on finishing and rim protection, while Maluach might have the tools to stretch the floor one day.
Still, the foundation is similar; there are two bigs who can clean up messes on defense and cash in easy buckets on the other end. It’s a modern center’s blueprint, and Wasserman, of coursrex, sees Maluach following in Lively’s footsteps.
Mock Draft Spotlight: Could Maluach Land with the Wizards?
The isn’t just talk any longer, mock drafts are starting to reflect it. A recent mock draft has him going sixth overall to the Washington Wizards, and the fit makes sense.
The Wizards took Alex Sarr second overall in 2024, a 7’0” forward with a sweet shot and defensive versatility. The problem is, Sarr looks more like a four than a true center, leaving Washington hunting for a long-term answer in the middle.
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His size and defensive chops could pair nicely with Sarr, letting the Wizards build a frontcourt that’s tough to score on. Washington’s roster is still a work in progress, and a high-floor guy like Maluach, who’s already shown he can hold his own, could be a cornerstone for their rebuild.
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