Latest news with #Maluach
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Rumor: Raptors high on Duke center Khaman Maluach ahead of 2025 NBA draft
Khaman Maluach is a highly touted prospect, and the former Duke center is reportedly drawing interest from several teams ahead of the 2025 NBA draft, including the Toronto Raptors. Maluach was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 71.2% shooting from the field in 39 games. He ranked sixth in the country in offensive rebound percentage (16.5) and 2-point percentage (75.4). The 7-footer is reportedly having a strong predraft showing and moving up boards after recently dazzling in his pro day. He has been linked to the Raptors at No. 9 and is high on their radar, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line on Substack. One thing teams seem to agree on: Duke center Khaman Maluach is largely viewed as the leading center prospect in this class. And Toronto, sources say, is among the clubs that highly value the 7-foot-2 big man who played for South Sudan's national team in the 2024 Summer Olympics. Maluach, born in South Sudan, scored in double figures 17 times, including a season-high 19 points, 10 rebounds and one blocked shot on Jan. 11 in a win over Notre Dame. He ranked third among all freshmen in the conference in double-doubles (5). Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle The 18-year-old dazzled last season with the Blue Devils, protecting the rim thanks to his size and 7-foot, 6 3/4-inch wingspan. He brings great athleticism to the position, enabling him to work in the post as a lob threat or finisher at the rim. Maluach is considered a top-10 pick, though some have him going even higher. He'll likely warrant a look by most teams drafting early on June 25-26, with the Raptors among them.
Chicago Tribune
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
What we heard on Day 2 of the NBA draft combine: Players who might be on the Chicago Bulls' radar
NBA teams are beginning to get serious about prospective draft picks. Day 2 of the NBA draft combine Wednesday at Wintrust Arena and McCormick Place included media availability for every invited player in addition to private meetings with teams and 5-on-5 scrimmages. The Bulls met with several players for one-on-one interviews, including Tre Johnson, Thomas Sorber, Asa Newell, Liam McNeeley and Collin Murray-Boyles. Jase Richardson has a meeting scheduled with the Bulls later this week. The collection reflects the team's outlook on the draft — while the frontcourt is an obvious weak point for the roster, the Bulls are still in a position in which drafting the best available talent is a necessity regardless of position. Here's what we heard from several players who may be on the Bulls' radar heading into the draft. One of the most intriguing prospects in the lottery, Duke center Khaman Maluach is a work in progress — for a reason. The 7-footer only began playing basketball at age 13. He fondly remembers the day he attended his first camp organized by former Bull Luol Deng in South Sudan. 'I saw a lot of tall people being happy and it was like, 'This is where I belong,'' Maluach said with a smile. Within the next year, Maluach left home to join the NBA Academy in Senegal. He began playing professionally in the Basketball Africa League at 15 before committing to Duke, where he played his sole season of NCAA ball last season. Maluach said he has leaned heavily on Deng and former Bull Joakim Noah as well as other African greats throughout the process. Although he shot 71.2% from the floor for Duke, Maluach feels his shooting efficiency is underrated. He suffered a hairline fracture in preseason that forced him to wear a hand brace for much of the season. Now fully healthy, Maluach is hoping to make a strong impression of his ability to finish shots during combine week. 'My shot has improved a lot,' Maluach said. 'I had on the glove the whole season, so I kind of struggled, it kind of altered my shot. I didn't know where my shot was falling a lot of the time. Sometimes I would shoot air balls because I just had the glove on and I wasn't having the same feeling of the ball. But as soon as I took it off, my shot became way better.' Combine week has not been the strongest introduction for Maryland's Derik Queen. A 6-foot-9 center, Queen will need to make up for being undersized at his position by showing out with his physicality and athleticism. But he struggled in both departments during athletic testing on Tuesday, recording low scores in the lane-agility drill and his maximum vertical jump. Those measurements shouldn't be a deterrent for Queen, who could be selected within the top five picks of this year's draft. The center said he took five to six meetings on Monday and felt positively about teams' perspectives on his ability to translate to the NBA. Who stood out on Day 1 of the NBA draft combine? And who should the Chicago Bulls keep an eye on?'I think a lot of my game translates — scoring, rebounding passing, just me being a dominant player,' Queen said. Queen said he did not have a meeting with the Bulls and did not specify whether he would be scheduled for an interview or workout with the team later this week. But as one of the top frontcourt prospects in the league, he's still likely to land somewhere on the team's board ahead of draft night. One of the first player interviews with the Bulls this week was Collin Murray-Boyles — and the 6-6½ forward said the meeting gave a positive impression of the front office and its belief in his ability to fit in the league. Murray-Boyles averaged 16.8 points and 2.4 assists last season, but he wanted to talk about the other end of the court when discussing his tangibles as a draft prospect. The forward said he models himself after Draymond Green, Toumani Camara and Jalen Williams when approaching his switchability, hand activity and physicality as a diverse defender. 'I believe that I am the best defensive prospect in this draft,' Murray-Boyles said. 'Not knocking anybody else, there's a lot of good defenders in this draft. But I just feel like my attention to detail on the defensive side is unmatched.' The Bulls also held a Wednesday morning meeting with Georgetown's Thomas Sorber, a forward who measured at 6-9¾ with a 7-6 wingspan on Tuesday. Although Sorber isn't one of the flashiest frontcourt options in this draft class, the 19-year-old made a strong impression as a well-rounded big man with room to grow as a shooter in his debut NCAA season. And it's clear that he has been a longer-term target for the Bulls. 'They told me they've been watching me since I came into Georgetown,' Sorber said. 'They've been to a couple practices and they just like how I give energy out to other players and how I'm able to bring the same intensity every day.' Sorber is a solid option for the Bulls and likely will be available at No. 12. After initial conversations between teams and his agent, Sorber said he anticipates being selected between the bottom rung of the lottery and the mid-20s in the first round.
USA Today
10-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NBA Draft: best fits for Nets with sixth overall pick
2025 NBA Draft: best fits for Nets with sixth overall pick The Brooklyn Nets are hoping that luck is on their side when the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery comes around on Monday, especially since the preferable outcome is getting the first overall pick. However, Brooklyn began the 2024-25 season knowing that they could have any pick in the Lottery so they have most likely planned for what they would do at every spot in the top-14. The Nets did not have the best season that they could have asked for as they finished the campaign with a 26-56 record, good for the sixth-worst tally in the league. The good news is that the Lottery could push Brooklyn up the Draft order, but at the same time, the event could push them back as far as the 10th overall pick, putting them far from selecting the cream of the crop in the class. Be that as it may, the Nets have to be prepared for anything to happen during the Lottery and it's possible that they could be content with the sixth overall pick if they have a player that they like at that spot. Without further ado, here are some players that the Nets could consider if they head into the Draft with the sixth overall pick: Tre Johnson, G, Texas Johnson, listed at 6-foot-6 and 190 pounds, seems to be competing with Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe for the best off-ball guard in the Draft at this point in the pre-draft process. While Edgecombe is expected to go higher in the draft due to his physical tools and the potential of his jumpshot, Johnson appears to be the guy that could be the best scorer in the class if his realizes his full potential. Johnson, who Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman compares to Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro, is coming off a rookie season at Texas that gives plenty of scouts optimism of what he can be in the NBA. "Scouts believe Tre Johnson will remain in the top-five mix with eye-test approval on the self-creation and shotmaking that fueled his 19.9 points per game," Wasserman wrote in his latest mock draft. Khaman Maluach, C, Duke Maluach, listed at 7-foot-2 and 250 pounds, had arguably the worst game of his freshman season at the worst time for his draft stock in the NCAA Semi-finals as he seemed to be overmatched against the Houston Cougars. However, at this floor, Maluach looks like the kind of guy that can step on an NBA floor on Day 1 and be able to be a rim-protecting, rim-running big at the least. Wasserman compares Maluach to Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams and while Williams has some issues with injuries and consistency on a game-to-game basis, Maluach may be able to prevent either of those flaws from affecting him at the next level. "There is still plenty of optimism out there in the long-term potential tied to his 7'2" size and mobility for finishing, rim protection and shot-contesting," Wasserman writes. Derik Queen, Maryland, C Queen, listed at 6-foot-10 and 246 pounds, showed plenty of promise towards the end of the NCAA regular season and boosted his stock significantly with what he did during conference tournament time and the NCAA Tournament. What would make a selection of Queen interesting is how the Nets foresee him fitting alongside starting center Nic Claxton, who will be entering the second year of his four-year, $97 million contract next season. Queen is compared to Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun by Wasserman and it's easy to see why with the way that Queen moves on the offensive end of the floor with some sneaky athleticism to boot. "Queen's skill level, scoring versatility and passing IQ have been strong enough indicators of offensive success that certain teams will be willing to look past his defensive limitations," Wasserman writes. Kon Knueppel, G/F, Duke Knueppel, listed at 6-foot-6 and 217 pounds, projects to be the kind of player that will be a floor-spacer for whatever team he goes to given his ability to shoot the basketball during his freshman season at Duke. While Knueppel doesn't seem like the kind of player that will be able to create shots for himself and others, his shooting ability is vital for any team looking for more shooting. Knueppel, whom Wasserman compares to Nets forward Cam Johnson, could be the kind of guy that allows Brooklyn to build around whoever comes to the roster that will have the ball in their hands, especially if Johnson ends up getting traded somewhere else this summer or during next season. "Knueppel should look like the ultimate plug-and-play wing for teams that miss out on some of the higher-level creators," Wasserman writes. Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia Newell, listed at 6-foot-11 and 220 pounds, profiles to be the type of big man that can play some power forward and play some center depending on the personnel around him. Newell did a little bit of everything for Georgia as while he was their best scorer around the basket and in the dunker spot, he also showed off his ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter and make some plays for his teammates. Newell, whom Wasserman compares to Memphis Grizzles forward Brandon Clarke, will probably be best hanging in the dunker spot on offense and operating in the pick-and-roll while defending the rim and switching on the defensive end of the floor. "Newell ultimately gives off safe-pick vibes with his 6'11" size and movement, consistent production, defensive tools and reliable touch whenever he gets it in the paint," Wasserman writes.
USA Today
05-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NBA mock draft: Sixers take Khaman Maluach with No. 5 overall pick
2025 NBA mock draft: Sixers take Khaman Maluach with No. 5 overall pick The Philadelphia 76ers won't know if they will have a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA draft until lottery night on May 12. The pick is only top 6 protected, but after a tough 24-58 season, they have the fifth-worst record in the league and are hoping for some luck on lottery night. With that being said, should the Sixers keep their pick, there are some options for them in this draft. This is a deep draft rich with a lot of young talent eager to show what they all can do at the NBA level. Even if the Sixers land either the No. 5 or No. 6 pick, they can get a good young player. A mock draft performed by CBS Sports has the Sixers thinking big. With the No. 5 pick, they have Philadelphia taking Duke 7-foot-2 center Khaman Maluach: The final impression of Maluach at Duke was not a promising one: he played 21 minutes in a Final Four loss to Houston and grabbed zero rebounds despite his 7-foot-2 frame. But his length, movement and shot-blocking anticipation has NBA teams intrigued with his talent, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him go this high. He'd be a joy to add next to the young core in Philly that includes Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and Quentin Grimes. On the season, Maluach averaged 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds along with 1.3 blocks per game. As mentioned above by CBS, he had a miserable end to the 2024-25 season. Along with zero rebounds, he committed four fouls and only had a block in the loss to the Cougars. However, he did have 14 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks in the Elite 8 win over Alabama so the potential is there. The Sixers could always use some size off the bench and Maluach certainly fits that bill.
NBC Sports
27-04-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Duke freshman big man Khaman Maluach is headed to the NBA draft
Duke freshman big man Khaman Maluach is jumping to the NBA. The program announced Sunday in a social media post that the 7-foot-2, 250-pound Maluach would go the one-and-done route after helping the Blue Devils reach the Final Four. Maluach's move was first reported late Saturday by The News & Observer of Raleigh, and underclassmen had until 11:59 p.m. that night to meet the NBA deadline to declare themselves as eligible for the June draft. 'His best years are by far in front of him,' Duke coach Jon Scheyer said in a social media video from the program. 'I can't wait to see what he's going to do because he's just scratching the surface. He has an amazing base for who he is as a player, but that skillset is just going to continue to grow.' Notably, Maluach is an elite rim-runner who used his length to finish off lobs for easy scores or to block shots at the center of a defense that ranked among the nation's best in KenPom's efficiency metrics, including with his ability to defend on the perimeter with Duke's switching defense. Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while shooting 71.2% from the field, though he also was reliable at the line (76.6%) and made four 3-pointers to show the potential for expanded range. He still is developing his skill set, but his 7-5 wingspan and 9-8 standing reach offers attractive numbers for potential NBA suitors. Maluach is from South Sudan and played for his country in the 2024 Paris Olympics. He joined NBA Academy Africa in 2021, participated in the Nike Hoop Summit in April 2024 and was a top-5 national recruit for 247Sports. Maluach had six points and zero rebounds in Duke's season-ending loss to Houston in the national semifinals on April 5. That same day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was revoking all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders, creating uncertainty about his immigration situation, though there has been no updates or change to that announcement. Duke spokesman Frank Tramble issued a statement that night saying the school was aware of the announcement and was looking into the situation to understand 'any implications for Duke students.' Maluach is the fourth Duke player to make an early jump to the NBA draft, starting with freshman wing Kon Knueppel and junior guard Tyrese Proctor. Last week, freshman star Cooper Flagg — named The Associated Press national player of the year in early April — joined the list as the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick. The Blue Devils will lose all five starters, with graduate transfer Sion James departing as well, though Scheyer's program has 247Sports' No. 3-ranked recruiting class led by twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer.
