The basketball world was hit with a seismic jolt this week as stunning news surrounding 7-foot-2 South Sudanese phenom Khaman Maluach erupted just days before the 2025 NBA Draft. One of the most intriguing and mysterious prospects in recent memory, Maluach has now thrust himself into the center of attention, raising eyebrows among scouts, general managers, analysts, and fans across the globe. The last-minute revelation has not only altered the landscape of the upcoming draft but also injected an element of uncertainty and excitement that hasn’t been felt in years.
At just 18 years old, Maluach has long been a marvel of potential. A towering figure with a rare combination of size, coordination, and finesse, he’s captivated international scouts with his performances for the NBA Academy Africa and his standout play during FIBA tournaments. Now, following a development that could dramatically alter the draft board, it seems that Maluach’s name might be called far earlier than many previously projected.
According to league sources, a surge of last-minute private workouts, confidential medical clearances, and a whirlwind of team interviews have painted Maluach in an entirely new light for front offices. One NBA executive described the momentum shift as “the most dramatic late rise I’ve ever seen for an international big man.” After months of uncertainty about his readiness for the NBA level and whether he would even declare, Maluach has confirmed his eligibility and impressed so significantly in recent days that multiple lottery teams are scrambling to adjust their draft strategies.
Previously projected as a mid-to-late first-round selection due to rawness and the level of competition he faced, Maluach is now drawing comparisons to a young Rudy Gobert mixed with flashes of Victor Wembanyama-esque mobility. Team officials from franchises in the top ten have reportedly flown internationally to get one final in-person look, and it’s no longer a question of if Maluach will go in the lottery—but how high he could climb.
One league insider shared that a top-five team is now “seriously considering” selecting Maluach, depending on how the final board shakes out. That kind of meteoric rise is almost unheard of this late in the process, but it speaks to the rare ceiling that evaluators now believe he possesses. According to that same source, Maluach’s private workouts have shown improved footwork, polished touch around the rim, and an unexpected ability to stretch the floor with midrange jumpers and even some corner threes. More importantly, he’s shown an evolving feel for defensive rotations and rim protection—two areas that scouts previously deemed “developmental” rather than “NBA-ready.”
Perhaps the most shocking part of the Maluach story is how rapidly everything came together. In just a span of two weeks, he went from being somewhat of a draft mystery—raw, distant, and tough to evaluate—to a centerpiece discussion in several war rooms across the league. What changed? In part, it’s about access. Teams were finally granted full medical documentation and gained insight into Maluach’s long-term development plan. But it’s also about the fear of missing out. With so many recent international stars—Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Wembanyama—making immediate impacts at the highest level, no general manager wants to be the one who passed on the next great international sensation.
Maluach, who first emerged on the global radar as a 16-year-old anchoring South Sudan’s historic run at AfroBasket, has grown considerably both in skill and maturity since those early days. At 7-foot-2 with a wingspan approaching 7-foot-8, his physical tools are undeniably elite. But what’s turned heads recently is his ability to think and play the game with intention. He’s reportedly been watching hours of film with teams, speaking eloquently about defensive schemes, and asking intelligent questions about NBA systems and spacing. “He’s not just a kid with upside anymore,” one executive told ESPN anonymously. “He’s becoming a student of the game.”
Even off the court, Maluach’s presence is making waves. His story is an inspiring one: born in a region affected by civil conflict, rising through the ranks of the NBA’s international development pipeline, and now potentially poised to become one of the highest-drafted African-born players in history. His journey resonates far beyond basketball, representing hope, determination, and the unifying power of sport. League insiders are already suggesting that brands are circling, recognizing the marketability of a player with global appeal and a story worth telling.
So what does this mean for the NBA Draft landscape? Chaos, in the best way possible. Teams that were confident in their top-five boards now have to revisit their evaluations. Mock drafts are being torn up and redrawn. Agents are recalibrating pitches. And fans are left buzzing about whether their favorite team might take a chance on the high-upside, high-character big man from South Sudan.
For teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Washington Wizards—franchises in need of long-term cornerstones—Maluach could be the kind of prospect you don’t pass on, regardless of how raw he might appear today. In a class that has often been labeled “wide open” with no clear-cut No. 1, the chance to draft a player with legitimate Defensive Player of the Year potential and offensive upside is hard to ignore. If Maluach continues on this trajectory, we could be looking at the steal of the decade—or perhaps even the centerpiece of an NBA franchise five years from now.
Interestingly, several agents are now expressing concern that Maluach’s late rise could create ripple effects for other big men in the class. Prospects who were once projected top ten picks could slide slightly if front offices fall in love with the idea of Maluach’s upside and star potential. One scout noted, “It’s the Wembanyama effect. We’re all trying to find the next unicorn. Khaman may not be that level, but the DNA is there.”
Of course, questions remain. Will Maluach be able to adapt to the speed and physicality of the NBA right away? Will he require a year or two of development in the G-League before becoming a rotation player? What happens if he ends up in a situation where patience is in short supply? These are fair concerns—but increasingly, they are being outweighed by what he could become.
The timing of this revelation couldn’t be more compelling. With just days to go before the draft, GMs are holding emergency meetings. Coaches are reviewing tape. Owners are making calls. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is razor-thin. But one thing is now certain: Khaman Maluach is no longer a hidden gem. He’s at the center of one of the most intriguing draft stories in years.
And while some fans may still be learning how to pronounce his name, they might want to start memorizing it. Because if the whispers are true—and if his trajectory holds—Khaman Maluach could be the biggest international star the league has seen since Giannis, with an opportunity not just to make a roster, but to redefine what’s possible for players coming out of non-traditional basketball pathways.
This year’s draft was already full of uncertainty, with no consensus top pick and a slew of players jockeying for position. Now, with Maluach’s shocking rise, the plot has thickened dramatically. The drama of the NBA Draft is always rich with emotion, tension, and unexpected twists—but this one feels different. It feels like the moment a legend might begin. And for Maluach, it’s the culmination of years of work, sacrifice, and quiet belief that he belonged among the best.
As fans await draft night, one thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on the green room, waiting to see when Khaman Maluach’s name is called—and which franchise will be lucky enough to bet on a future that suddenly looks a whole lot brighter.
