Khaman Maluach

Maluach was the man in the middle for one of the best defenses in the country, anchoring the paint as an imposing rim protector for the Duke Blue Devils. He’s an ideal lob target with a massive standing reach and solid feel for timing up screen and rolls. Based on his offensive game before college, many argue that we didn’t see Maluach’s full skillset on display in college, with Duke having a plethora of options to score and create offense. Was this because his post skills and jumpshot aren’t very refined? Or Duke simply had more efficient options to lean on while contending for a national title? Either way, Maluach’s physical tools and defensive presence make him worth a look in the top 6 of this draft.

Strengths:

  • Best rim protector in this draft class, with a massive wingspan and a feel for timing up blocks. Offensive players often won’t challenge him in the paint.

  • Lob target in the dunker spot and off screen and rolls. Adds an element of vertical spacing to the offense.

  • Efficient offensive player who doesn’t force bad shots.

  • Capable defender in different pick and roll coverages. Especially impactful playing drop coverage.

  • Effective rebounder who creates extra possession on the offensive glass.

Weaknesses:

  • Questionable conditioning given that he only played 21.3 mpg at Duke.

  • Limited versatility on offense, with his ability to space the floor still a question mark.

  • Doesn’t project as much of a scorer out of the post.

  • Low upside as a playmaker given his limited flashes of passing ability.