Latest news with #KhamanMaluach
Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Toronto Raptors mailbag: Who should they draft, plus Masai Ujiri's future
Plenty of options for draft night and what do looming ownership changes mean for the Raptors? Get the latest from Ryan Wolstat straight to your inbox Duke's Khaman Maluach (right) and Cooper Flagg high-five after a play during a game. Photo by AP Photo / AP Photo The second part of this week's Toronto Raptors mailbag keys on the upcoming draft, which is somehow just about here since it's June out of nowhere. What happened to May? That sure didn't feel like an early summer. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. 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Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Toronto is hard at work getting to know prospects as the draft process enters the final stretch. The NBA Finals are about to start and Canada's best-ever basketball player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, can become the first Canuck to be the best player on an NBA champion if his Oklahoma City Thunder can keep rolling. They'll likely be facing Pascal Siakam and the Indiana Pacers (barring a stunning New York Knicks comeback) in a great contrast of styles: Smothering defence against frenetic offence. It should be fun. If you missed Part 1 of the mailbag, which had a lot of trade talk, it's here. From Various people: 'Do you think the lottery was rigged, because it sure as hell seemed like it was!!!' RW: No. It's a lottery, weird things happen. We saw Atlanta win with minuscule odds last year, the New York Islanders and Utah Whatevers make massive jumps in the NHL lottery this year and the days of lotteries going mostly chalk are long gone. There are too many security procedures in place for it to be rigged. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. I simulated the lottery 25 times on Tankathon and Dallas only moved up twice, to second and to fourth (Toronto moved into the Top 4 several times). Dan: 'With the East not having many great teams, what do you think is the likelihood the Raptors attempt to upgrade their talent with a large-ish trade or two? I'm thinking trading a youth or two for a solid big makes sense for this group as currently constructed.' RW: That kind of happened already with the Brandon Ingram trade and it didn't cost any young roster pieces (a first-round pick and a second-round pick went out with Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk). Could more consolidation happen? Absolutely, but I would expect the front office to see what it has for a few months before doing anything. The whole group wasn't together for many games last year and Ingram didn't play for the Raptors at all. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. For luxury tax reasons they might need to explore what they could get for Ochai Agbaji and even RJ Barrett and eventually, if either Ja'Kobe Walter or Gradey Dick separate themselves from the other (as I've said, my money's on Walter), one of them could be on the move. But, again, don't see that happening for a while. My best guess is Toronto either makes a major deal before the season starts or nothing. League insiders have speculated there will be a flurry of trades league-wide. @B_Viddy: 'Do you know why the Raptors gave up on Dalano Banton after only 2 seasons? It's not like he stunk the joint out. His departure seemed somewhat sudden, like they made no effort to retain him. Did they perhaps feel he was too distracted playing at home?' RW: Yes, I've actually reported previously that a couple of people who would know had told me when Banton signed with Boston that playing at home hadn't been great for him and he could thrive elsewhere. It didn't work with the stacked Celtics, but he's had some nice stretches in Portland. It's too bad he didn't get to have a long tenure with the Raptors, but he's definitely still an inspiration to kids from his area, as he'd hoped to be. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Could be good for Dalano to get a new start elsewhere. Had heard being at home brought some distractions. Still think there's an NBA player there. — Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) July 3, 2023 Steve: 'Are you rooting for OG or Pascal? Or perhaps Shai?' RW: My rooting days are behind me, but I cheer for the best story. That would be SGA winning the title. He can cap his MVP win and Oklahoma City's 68-win regular season with a remarkable Finals to really become a household name in Canada and beyond. People are still sleeping on Shai a bit too much. I enjoyed covering both Pascal and OG, so happy to see them thriving but don't think the Pacers or Knicks have any shot of winning more than a game against this Thunder juggernaut. And since many think OKC might have to unload Montreal's own Lu Dort, the all-world defender who also shot 40% from three in the regular season, to keep its payroll under control moving forward, all the more reason to want to see the Thunder win now. I covered fellow Montrealers Joel Anthony and Chris Boucher winning titles (whether they actively participated or not, they got the rings) and Khem Birch just won EuroLeague. Dort would join them. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Darrell Samuels: 'Given (MLSE president Keith) Pelley's comments regarding (outgoing Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan) Shanahan – where do you see the future of Ujiri within the MLSE umbrella?' RW: Many are thinking this will be Masai's last season with Toronto. I'm not convinced. Yes, the organization appears to be phasing out team presidents, but Ujiri could surely be grandfathered in if he wants a new deal. You can bet Rogers will want him to take a pay cut though, since the Raptors have basically done nothing in recent years and the championship is a while away at this point. Ujiri badly wants to bring another title here, but even with the East being way worse than the West and likely to stay that way with Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper joining teams in the West, the Raptors are presently nowhere close to competing for anything more than maybe squeezing out a first round win if they can play the third or fourth seed. Maybe. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Masai has kids that have only known life in Toronto. Would he want to move his family at this point, or maybe see what happens on one more deal and go from there? I'd bet on the latter, but he's not saying one way or the other. 'How likely is another reset if they don't make the playoffs and what does Masai's future with the team look like either way?' RW: To add on to the prior question, if they somehow miss the playoffs (lose in play-in or don't make it in all), then I could see Ujiri not coming back by mutual decision. But I just can't see that happening if they stay reasonably healthy. The East stinks, Toronto is more talented than all but maybe five teams in the conference. How would they even reset again? Let Jakob Poeltl walk in free agency for nothing and deal RJ Barrett maybe? If things go wrong Ingram wouldn't have much trade value. No, they're pretty committed to this group for now. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 40 & Dunking? @MidlifeVertical: 'Thomas Sorber or Carter Bryant?' Dan: 'Who do you think the Raps should draft? Or perhaps should they trade the pick for talent?' RW: Don't think it makes sense to trade the ninth pick for an established player because it would likely put them into the luxury tax. They still have a tiny bit of flexibility for now and I'd actually consider going the other way, like trading Agbaji for an expiring contract and a pick in the late teens (otherwise they could lose him for nothing, or would be into the tax). As for who to take, I really like Jeremiah Fears, but he probably doesn't make it to Toronto's pick. Ideally they'd get someone who has a chance to be a star, but more likely they'll be angling for a rotation piece. Bryant could be that, maybe Collin Murray-Boyles or Khaman Maluach or Kasparas Jakucionis one day. I'd consider trading down and picking up an asset or two as I am intrigued by a bunch of prospects considered out of the lottery types (like Sorber, Rasheer Fleming, Nique Clifford, or Cedric Coward). I'm no draft expert, but coming away with a big wing or power forward and a backup centre like Sorber or Ryan Kalbrenner or Maxime Raynaud could set the Raptors up nicely. Would Brooklyn give Toronto 19 and 26 and 36 for 9 and 39? What about Atlanta dealing 13 and 22 for 9 and 39 or OKC giving 15 and 24 for 9 (though Ujiri and Sam Presti have never made a deal during their long careers)? Might Ujiri tempt his close friend Jeff Weltman of Orlando with 9 for 16 and 25? There are some possibilities if Toronto likes multiple prospects and if all of its top choices are gone by nine. Read More Toronto & GTA Crime Canada Columnists Columnists
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Duke Center Khaman Maluach Could Be Worth Trading Up For
There's no getting around it: Duke center Khaman Maluach is an enormous human being, and his size is certainly on the radar for all lottery teams. But more so than his 7'2 frame and 7'7 wingspan, teams are intrigued at how the big man can produce for them moving forward. At Duke, Maluach was often an offensive afterthought who played off Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, primarily as a dunking spot center. Yet, there's more to his game than being just a grab and dunk player. Not only did Maluach convert on over 71% of his shot attempts from the floor, but he cashed in on almost 77% of his free throws, a major indicator of additional shooting upside. If Maluach becomes a pick and pop option, as well as being a strong interior finisher, his offensive applicability grows exponentially, which should further entice teams. That said, the 18-year-old is not yet much of a passer, so it would seem too optimistic to expect him to become an offensive hub, at least not until he's much deeper into his NBA career. As such, the best presumed role for the South Sudanese national is that of play finisher, which covers a wide variety of scoring options. Be that as a floor spacer, interior threat, or something in-between. As for the other end of the floor, Maluach is further back, but not to a point where one has to have great concern. While not much of a leaper, Maluach is so huge, he can live off his size in the initial years of his career, until he learns timing, rotation patterns, and perfects the rule of verticality. He won't block as many shots as, say, Victor Wembanyama, but he should be good enough at challenging shots that opposing players will think twice about attacking him head-on. As for his rebounding, it's not elite, but he's not poor in that department whatsoever. He grabbed 11.2 rebounds per 36 minutes at Duke, a reasonable number for someone who isn't yet 19, and who's still trying to fully understand the significance of his own size. Maluach is a player several teams should have interest in, and for teams in dire need of a rock solid center with All-Star potential, he might even be worth some trade-up squeeze. A team like the Chicago Bulls, who should seriously consider trading Nikola Vučević, would benefit greatly from a fresh start with a high-level talent, who can help shape their future. But given they're picking 12th, it seems unrealistic he's available at that time. Therefore, it's behoove a franchise like them to make some aggressive phone calls. Unless noted otherwise, all stats via PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Flagg, the presumed No. 1 pick, settling into his new reality now that Dallas has won draft lottery
Khaman Maluach, left, and Cooper Flagg warm up on the court at the 2025 NBA basketball draft combine in Chicago, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Khaman Maluach, from rear left, and Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and Tre Johnson participate in the 2025 NBA basketball draft combine in Chicago, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Cooper Flagg (51), Khaman Maluach (14) and Ace Bailey (21) participate at the 2025 NBA basketball Draft Combine in Chicago, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Khaman Maluach, left, and Cooper Flagg warm up on the court at the 2025 NBA basketball draft combine in Chicago, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Khaman Maluach, from rear left, and Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and Tre Johnson participate in the 2025 NBA basketball draft combine in Chicago, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Cooper Flagg (51), Khaman Maluach (14) and Ace Bailey (21) participate at the 2025 NBA basketball Draft Combine in Chicago, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) CHICAGO (AP) — Cooper Flagg is starting to settle into his new reality. The former Duke star has been considered the presumptive No. 1 pick in next month's NBA draft for some time and now knows that pick is held by the Dallas Mavericks — winners of the draft lottery earlier this week. Advertisement It's a rare Texas two-step of No. 1 picks for Dallas. The Dallas Wings had the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft last month and took UConn's Paige Bueckers, and now the Mavericks will follow as holders of a No. 1 pick. This one-city, two-No. 1-picks double has happened only once before — 2003, when the Cleveland Rockers chose LaToya Thomas and the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted LeBron James two months later. In Dallas, Flagg could join a roster with fellow former Duke players Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II — and be part of a new chapter for the Mavericks, who saw their fan base rocked in February by the decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Flagg has gone through the rigors of the draft combine this week, getting height, weight, vertical leap and various sizes measured, along with hitting the court for some shooting, agility and speed drills. Advertisement He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists while leading Duke to the Final Four in his lone college season. He shot 48% from the field, 39% from 3-point range, 84% from the foul line and was The Associated Press' national player of the year. ___ AP NBA:
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mavericks Send Strong Message After Winning Cooper Flagg Sweepstakes
The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery took place on Monday evening in Chicago as teams across the league crossed their fingers for the top pick. While there are plenty of talented players like Rutgers' walking bucket Ace Bailey, Duke big man Khaman Maluach and Texas' sharpshooting Tre Johnson, the big prize in this year's class is Duke's Cooper Flagg. Advertisement Widely regarded as the next great American prospect, Flagg can do everything on the floor and is expected to be the league's next superstar after a season where he won Naismith Men's College Player of the Year. Although there were 10 teams with better odds for the No. 1 pick, it was the Dallas Mavericks—who had just a 1.8% chance—who secured the top pick in this year's class. It was a jaw-dropping turn of events for the team that traded away franchise cornerstone and five-time All-NBA guard Luka Doncic earlier in the season. Following the results of the NBA Draft Lottery, the Mavericks took to X to celebrate the results. "For the first time ever, we won the LOTTERY 💰," wrote the team. Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg.© Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images While teams like the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and San Antonio Spurs are among those who are the most disappointed, it's likely no team feels as sick as the Miami Heat. Advertisement They would have had the No. 11 lottery slot before they ultimately made the NBA playoffs. A team that comes in a close second in terms of being disgusted by the results are the Chicago Bulls, who lost out on the No. 11 slot via coin flip. As for the Mavericks, they get a possible superstar that may be good enough to silence all of those who criticized them after they traded Doncic. While fans are already firing up the conspiracies, the Mavericks have to love how this unfolded. Related: Fans Are Making Major Accusation About Knicks-Celtics After NBA's Scott Foster Announcement
CBC
13-05-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Raptors slip to 9th in NBA draft lottery; Mavericks win top pick with 1.8 per cent odds
Social Sharing The Toronto Raptors will draft ninth overall in this summer's NBA Draft. The Raptors moved down two spots after having the seventh-worst record in the 2024-25 regular season. Toronto had a 31.9 per cent chance at a top-four pick and a 7.5 per cent at the top overall selection. The Dallas Mavericks will pick first overall, moving 10 spots up the rankings, after finishing with the 11th worst record in the NBA. Dallas had only a 1.8 per cent chance of getting the top pick. Duke forward Cooper Flagg is widely considered the No. 1 overall prospect in this year's draft class. Duke centre Khaman Maluach is projected as the ninth overall pick. The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets each had a 52.1 per cent chance at a top-four pick and a 14 per cent shot of selecting first overall.
