2025 NBA Draft Highlights
In a notable move during the 2025 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets opted for Khaman Maluach, a promising forward from Duke, with their 10th overall selection. However, this selection will not stay in Houston for long; it will be traded to the Phoenix Suns following the conclusion of a separate trade involving Kevin Durant, as confirmed by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver during the draft event.
Khaman Maluach’s Journey
Maluach’s journey to the NBA has been compelling. Prior to declaring for the draft, he chose Duke over high-profile programs such as Kentucky, UCLA, and Kansas. A five-star recruit, he shone brightly in his college career, averaging 8.6 points along with 6.6 rebounds per game. His contributions were instrumental in Duke’s ACC championship victory and their impressive run to the Final Four.
At only 18 years old, Maluach belongs to a family of athletes, boasting six siblings, which has likely influenced his athletic prowess. His basketball career kicked off relatively late in 2019, but he quickly garnered attention from coaches, leading to his invitation to the NBA Academy in Africa. His skills were showcased further in the Basketball Africa League with teams like Cobra Sport and AS Douanes, particularly with the City Oilers, where he averaged an impressive 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds.
International Experience and Physical Attributes
Maluach’s international experience includes participation in the 2023 FIBA World Cup with South Sudan’s national team and a place on the roster for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Standing at an impressive 7 feet and sporting a wingspan of nearly 7’7”, his physical attributes make him a standout prospect. Throughout his college tenure, he demonstrated exceptional efficiency, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, with an astonishing 80.6% shooting accuracy at the rim.
Potential and Comparisons
NBA franchises are increasingly investing in young big men, and Maluach’s combination of size, athleticism, and promising work ethic makes him an appealing option. His receptiveness to coaching suggests that teams believe they can refine his game. However, discussions about his potential ceiling have noted comparisons to players like Mitchell Robinson and Nic Claxton for their efficient but lower-usage offensive styles.
While there are concerns regarding Maluach’s ability to gain **functional strength** and effectively navigate the lane, his offensive rebounding skills may shine through in the league. Opinions vary on his ability to develop a reliable jump shot, and while improvement in this area could enhance his value, his defensive abilities may already position him as an average starting center in the NBA.
Conclusion
Given these variables, selecting him within the lottery offers significant potential, yet some analysts urge caution, positing that his upside may be more moderate than others suggest.
