Image Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Khaman Maluach Draft Projection: Where Might He Go in the 2025 NBA Draft?

Is Maluach the biggest defensive bet of 2025?

Image Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Khaman Maluach’s rise from war-torn South Sudan to NBA prospect is among the most powerful stories of the 2024 class. His life began in the background of the South Sudan civil war and his family was one of the millions to flee the region due to the ethnic conflict.

A stranger’s advice to try basketball ended up changing the course of his life forever. He was later picked by Uganda’s City Oilers, gaining early pro experience in the Basketball Africa League. His impact there didn’t go unnoticed as Maluach received college offers from elite institutions like UCLA, Kentucky, Duke, and Kansas.

The defender committed to Duke as he was moved by Zion Williamson’s basketball path. Duke Blue Devils had an underwhelming end to their NCAA 2024-25 season given their potential to win it all. Maluach started all 39 games for them.

7’2 Khaman Maluach at Klutch Pro Day 🔥 he has continued to impress NBA teams with his development over the years and his jumper continues to blossom. Maluach started played basketball at 13 years old. Anthony Davis was also in attendance @JordanRichardSC pic.twitter.com/WTkttsQlET
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) May 21, 2025

Khaman Maluach Scouting Report – Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Khaman Maluach stands at 7’ 2” and weighs around 250 lbs. Only a few centres have a combination of such size with mobility. He is a huge defensive presence averaging 1.3 blocks per game at Duke.

The 18-year-old’s touch around the rim stands out, evidenced by a remarkable 71.2% shooting clip from the field. This efficiency comes from the size leverage that he uses over defenders.

Weaknesses

Despite his towering frame, Maluach’s offensive game remains raw and far from fully developed. He averaged just 8.6 points for Duke that shows he is not yet a primary scoring option.

Rebounding remains an area of inconsistency, with his freshman numbers showing lapses in positioning and timing. Averaging 6.6 rebounds, the center shows promise but is still far behind in terms of consistency in his defensive duties.

Khaman Maluach Stats and Accomplishments at Duke Blue Devils

In the NCAA 2024-25 season, Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 0.5 assists with a field goal percentage of 71.2 percent.

Maluach’s accomplishments (2024-25)

The South Sudan international earned a spot on the ACC All-Rookie Team.

Selected in the NABC South Atlantic All-District Second Team

Maluach started all 39 games for the Duke Blue Devils tying the program’s single-season freshman record.

He also converted 136 of 191 field goal attempts, posting an impressive .712 shooting percentage. This ranks the third-highest single season efficiency in Duke history and second highest for a Duke freshman.

Khaman Maluach’s Draft Projection

The 18-year-old is regarded as a top-10 lottery pick. Projections have placed him anywhere between fourth overall pick to 13th for the 2025 NBA Draft.