2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the basketball world is eagerly watching a select group of players who are poised to make a significant impact in the professional league. One name that has caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike is Khaman Maluach, a highly touted center from Duke University. The 7-foot center is drawing significant attention for his unique skill set, remarkable physical attributes, and potential to develop into a cornerstone player at the next level. This scouting report will dive deep into his game, strengths, weaknesses, and future potential in the NBA.
Physical Profile:
Khaman Maluach’s physical frame is one of his most enticing features. Standing at 7 feet tall and weighing around 250 pounds, he possesses a strong, athletic build that provides him with an advantage on both ends of the floor. His length, combined with a 7’4″ wingspan, allows him to impact the game as a shot blocker, rebounder, and lob threat.
He is agile for his size, showing impressive mobility in transition and solid lateral quickness on defense. His ability to cover ground quickly and elevate for rebounds or blocks makes him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams seeking a versatile big man.
Offensive Game:
Scoring Around the Basket:
Maluach’s scoring primarily comes from within 10 feet of the basket, where he uses his size, strength, and vertical leap to finish around the rim. His touch on finishes—particularly alley-oops and lob passes—is exceptional for a player his size. He has good hands and can catch difficult passes in traffic, converting them into easy points.
Though not known as a primary scoring option, Maluach’s presence near the rim opens up space for his teammates. He does an excellent job of screening, rolling to the basket, and finishing through contact, making him a valuable asset in pick-and-roll situations.
Post Moves:
Maluach’s post game is still developing. While he has shown flashes of potential, particularly with his hook shots and drop steps, his footwork in the low post needs refinement. He tends to rely on his physicality more than skill when trying to establish position, but with continued development, he could become a more polished post scorer.
Mid-Range and Shooting:
At this point, Maluach’s shooting is a work in progress. He has shown an ability to hit the occasional mid-range jumper, but his shooting mechanics need more consistency. His lack of a reliable outside shot will likely limit his offensive ceiling early in his NBA career, but it’s not an insurmountable flaw. If he can extend his range to the three-point line, he could become a versatile offensive weapon.
Defensive Game:
Rim Protection:
One of Maluach’s most promising attributes is his ability to protect the rim. His shot-blocking ability is elite, and he has the timing, length, and anticipation to alter or swat away shots with regularity. His presence in the paint forces opponents to adjust their shooting, and he can be a true anchor for a defense. In pick-and-roll coverage, Maluach excels at switching and recovering quickly, making him an excellent defensive asset in today’s NBA, where switching and versatility are key.
Rebounding:
On the glass, Maluach is a force. His combination of size, length, and athleticism allows him to secure boards on both ends of the floor. He is particularly effective as an offensive rebounder, using his motor and tenacity to generate extra possessions for his team. Maluach is also capable of clearing space for teammates, contributing to the overall rebounding effort.
Defense Against Smaller Players:
While Maluach is a strong defender in the paint, he has shown some vulnerabilities when guarding smaller, quicker players on the perimeter. He struggles with keeping pace against fast, agile opponents in isolation situations. His lateral quickness has improved over time, but NBA guards and forwards may still look to exploit this weakness early in his career.
Intangibles and Work Ethic:
Maluach is often praised for his strong work ethic and desire to improve. At Duke, he has demonstrated a high basketball IQ, understanding his role within the team and making intelligent decisions on both ends of the court. His attitude and willingness to put in the work necessary to refine his skills make him a coachable prospect. Scouts have noticed his competitive drive and his ability to adapt quickly, which bodes well for his long-term potential.
Projected NBA Impact and Future Outlook:
Maluach’s future in the NBA looks promising, though there will be growing pains as he adapts to the speed and skill level of the professional game. His physical tools—size, length, and athleticism—are exceptional, and his rim protection, rebounding, and pick-and-roll offense provide a solid foundation for an impactful NBA career. If he can develop a consistent jump shot, his offensive versatility could skyrocket.
While his post game and perimeter defense are areas that need improvement, Maluach has shown the necessary tools and mentality to become a key player at the next level. His ability to protect the rim and defend in space will make him a valuable asset for teams in need of a versatile big man who can fit into multiple defensive schemes.
For now, he projects as a potential starting center or a key contributor off the bench for a contending team, especially one looking for a rim protector and rebounder. As the 2025 NBA Draft draws closer, expect Maluach’s stock to continue rising as he refines his game and showcases his potential at Duke.
Final Grade:
- Athleticism: A
- Offense: B-
- Defense: A
- Potential: A-
- Overall Projection: Late Lottery to Mid-First Round
As the draft approaches, Khaman Maluach is a player to keep an eye on, especially for teams in need of a long-term project with high upside. If his development continues at its current pace, he could become one of the breakout players of the 2025 NBA Draft class.