Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Khaman Maluach
Position: Center
Team: Duke
Class: Freshman
Height/Weight: 7'2", 250 lbs
Birthdate: September 14, 2006
Previous Team: NBA Academy Africa
Player Overview
Khaman Maluach is a physical specimen with elite defensive potential, standing 7'2" with a 7'5" wingspan. Known for his shot-blocking instincts and ability to contest shots vertically, Maluach is one of the premier rim protectors in the 2025 draft class. Despite his imposing size, he moves fluidly, showing the ability to switch defensively and defend in space better than most big men his size.
On offense, Maluach is still raw but displays promising flashes. He excels as a play-finisher in the dunker spot and capitalizes on second-chance opportunities. While his three-point shooting is low-volume at Duke, his mechanics are promising, and he showed shooting potential prior to his collegiate debut. Maluach’s biggest areas for growth include his rebounding consistency, offensive instincts, and ability to process the game quickly. If he can develop these aspects, he has elite two-way potential.
"Maluach’s size and mobility make him an imposing defensive force and a reliable finisher around the rim. Additionally, he has shown glimpses of untapped offensive potential." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Elite Rim Protection: Exceptional timing and hand-eye coordination make Maluach one of the best shot-blockers in this draft class.
Athleticism and Fluidity: Moves well for his size, allowing him to switch defensively and recover quickly in help situations.
Play-Finishing Ability: Reliable finisher around the basket, particularly in the dunker spot and off offensive rebounds.
Shooting Potential: Promising mechanics and previous three-point success hint at future stretch-big capabilities.
Vertical Contests: Uses length and timing to contest shots without fouling, deterring opponents in the paint.
Concerns
Rebounding Consistency: Needs to improve positioning and assertiveness to maximize his size advantage on the boards.
Raw Offensive Game: While showing flashes, Maluach’s offensive instincts and playmaking need significant refinement.
Low-Volume Three-Point Shooter: Questions remain about the consistency and scalability of his shooting ability.
Processing Speed: Can be slow to read and react offensively, particularly in ball movement situations.
Questions
Can his three-point shooting become a reliable part of his offensive game?
How quickly can he develop the instincts and confidence to be an offensive contributor?
Will his rim protection translate effectively against NBA-level size and athleticism?
Bottom Line
Khaman Maluach’s size, athleticism, and defensive instincts make him one of the most intriguing big men in the 2025 NBA Draft. His elite rim protection and fluid mobility give him immediate defensive value at the next level. However, his offensive game remains a work in progress, with shooting, rebounding consistency, and overall instincts requiring significant development. If Maluach can improve these areas, he has the potential to become a game-changing, two-way player in the NBA.