When Khaman Maluach committed to Duke over powerhouse programs like Kentucky and Kansas, many believed he was a lock for a top-three spot in the 2025 NBA Draft. But as the season progressed, that early hype took a bit of a hit, and Maluach’s draft stock has cooled off. Scouts raised concerns over his offensive development, with struggles to create his own shot and stay impactful against quicker, more physical opponents. While his defensive tools, size, rim protection, and mobility remain elite, he doesn’t log a ton of blocks and rebounds, despite his immense 7’2″ frame. As a result, prospects like Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and VJ Edgecombe have surged ahead as strong contenders for those coveted top-three picks. So, what are Maluach’s chances of being a first-round pick?

Well, for starters, the 2025 Draft class isn’t loaded with center talent, particularly in the first-round range. Apart from Maluach, Maryland’s Derik Queen seems to be the only impactful option. Maluach wrapped up his freshman year at Duke with averages of 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in just over 21 minutes per game. Solid stats for a first-year big, especially one adjusting to the college level. As a result, many draft projections have the Duke man poised as a top 10 pick. But over at CBS, opinions are split. Kyle Boone and Adam Finkelstein couldn’t quite agree on where the 7’2″ South Sudanese center might land in the draft.

Finkelstein, the 247 Sports director of scouting, has Maluach slotted at number 10 overall in his 2025 NBA Draft projection, and he’s got a solid argument for it. Speaking on the CBS Sports College Basketball, he explained, “If you look at the archetype that has hit most consistently in the last three drafts –it’s the athletic five-man who can run the floor, block shots, and be a lob threat. I think Maluach is the same type of Big Man. For a guy as huge as he is, he’s got a little bit of versatility in pick-and-roll defense, he’s fairly mobile, so I think there’s a clear niche for him at the next level, and that’s why I’ve got him in my top 10.” 

There’s no denying Maluach’s upside. His NBA-ready frame makes him a natural shot blocker and rim protector, and his timing and 7’6” wingspan allow him to erase shots with ease. Defensively, he covers ground well, moves fluidly for his size, and can switch in pick-and-roll situations without being a liability. It’s easy to see why Finkelstein slots him in the top 10. But on the flip side, CBS analyst Kyle Boone doesn’t have Maluach even /in his top 15, and his reasoning makes for an equally strong case.

Kyle Boone has Maluach slotted at No. 16 overall in his latest mock draft, and he isn’t entirely sold on the 7’2” big man just yet. “His block rate is fairly pedestrian for someone that size,” Boone explained. “I think he has to work a little bit on his timing in terms of being able to block shots at a high level. I think there is  a lot to build on for him in terms of his profile moving forward.”

And Boone’s skepticism has merit. Maluach’s 1.3 blocks per game with a 6.8% block rate wouldn’t even crack the top 100 in the nation. For someone of his size, that’s underwhelming. Despite his physical gifts, he doesn’t dominate the glass or protect the rim at an elite level–something that was glaringly obvious in Duke’s Final Four loss to Houston, where he failed to grab even a single rebound in 20 minutes. But that’s not all!

Offensively, there’s work to be done, too. Outside of dunks and putbacks, Maluach offers little in terms of shot creation. His post game is raw, and he needs to put in a lot of work on his shooting. As Boone notes, any team drafting him will have to be patient with him as he will be a project player.

While Maluach has consistently posted strong free-throw numbers dating back to high school, his three-point shooting remains largely unproven at this stage. But there is a lot more to Maluach’s game.

While his stats don’t pop out, his offensive game is anchored by his effectiveness as a screener and his ability to finish plays around the rim. He possesses a wide catch radius, making him a constant lob threat in pick-and-roll situations. His touch in the paint is noteworthy, allowing him to convert contested layups efficiently. Although he made only four three-pointers during the season, his 76.6% free-throw shooting indicates potential for developing a reliable perimeter shot.

Defensively, Maluach has made significant strides, becoming a high-level rim protector with impressive physical tools. His timing on shot contests and improved defensive awareness have been evident throughout the season. He excels in drop coverage, effectively deciding when to challenge the ball-handler or stay with the rolling big man. His mobility and understanding of defensive schemes suggest a high ceiling on this end of the floor, especially considering his youth and ongoing development.​

However, the doubt over his prowess isn’t the only hurdle Maluach is facing right now. Beyond his on-court development, there are growing concerns around his eligibility to remain in the United States. Let’s take a look at that!

Cooper Flagg’s ex-teammate is unlikely to leave the United States in the near future

Just before Duke’s Final Four clash with Houston, Khaman Maluach got hit with tough news. The Trump administration made a big call–revoking visas for South Sudanese passport holders. Why? Saudi Arabia reportedly didn’t accept deported citizens from the U.S. fast enough. Now, that decision has major consequences. Unlike NBA players like JT Thor or Duop Reath, Maluach doesn’t have dual citizenship. So if he leaves the United States, coming back could be a real problem.

That’s not all. Travis Murphy, a former U.S. diplomat who now works with the NBA, said it clearly– “His best option at this point is to stay in the United States, in valid visa status.” Sadly, that means no visits from family either. Maluach hasn’t been home in two years. His parents haven’t been able to visit him here either. Tough times for the 7’2’’ freshman.

Despite these off-court complications, Maluach will try to remain focused. Up next is the NBA Combine starting May 11, where he’ll be joining his Duke teammates Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Proctor, and Kon Knueppel. With scouts watching closely, it’s a crucial moment for the South Sudanese prospect to make his case under pressure.