The NBA Can’t Ignore Him Now: How Duke’s 7-Foot Marvel Khaman Maluach Just Forced His Way Into the Top 3 Draft Conversation
Durham, NC — It only took one electrifying pre-draft showcase for Khaman Maluach to rewrite the narrative surrounding this year’s NBA Draft — and now, the basketball world is buzzing with a single question: Is Duke’s 7-foot sensation poised to crash the top 3?
The answer, according to scouts, analysts, and front-office executives leaving Maluach’s recent workout: Absolutely.
The Showcase That Changed Everything
Held in front of dozens of NBA decision-makers, Maluach’s pre-draft performance was nothing short of jaw-dropping. Displaying fluid footwork, elite rim protection, and a surprisingly polished offensive game for a 7-footer, the 18-year-old South Sudanese prospect left a lasting impression.
“He wasn’t just good — he was dominant,” one NBA scout told ESPN. “His defensive instincts are off the charts, and offensively, he’s much more advanced than people expected. With that frame and mobility, you just don’t pass that up.”
The result? Maluach, once considered a mid-to-late lottery pick, has now vaulted into serious consideration for a top 3 selection — a meteoric rise that few saw coming just months ago.
A Unique Journey to Stardom
Born in South Sudan and developed through the NBA Academy Africa, Maluach’s basketball journey is as remarkable as his physical gifts. His rapid ascent through the ranks of international basketball brought him to Duke University, where he quickly established himself as one of college basketball’s most intimidating defensive presences.
Averaging 11.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game during his freshman season, Maluach showcased not only raw potential but a rare combination of timing, foot speed, and defensive versatility — attributes that are increasingly coveted in today’s NBA.
Why Scouts Are Intrigued
It’s not just his size that has NBA front offices salivating — it’s his modern skill set:
✅ Switchability on defense — Maluach comfortably defends both the paint and perimeter.
✅ Rim protection — His shot-blocking instincts are elite for his age.
✅ Offensive versatility — A soft shooting touch and developing perimeter game.
✅ High motor and basketball IQ — Rare intangibles for a 7-footer.
“The league is built on size and mobility now,” said NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony. “Khaman Maluach fits the mold perfectly — think of him as a raw but terrifying mix of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Evan Mobley. His ceiling is massive.”
Top 3 Material?
With the likes of Cooper Flagg, Ron Holland, and Matas Buzelis dominating early draft chatter, Maluach’s name was somewhat overlooked — until now.
Following his pre-draft performance, several league insiders suggest he’s firmly in the conversation for teams holding top 3 selections, especially for franchises seeking size, defensive upside, and long-term developmental potential.
“Teams aren’t going to overthink this for long,” an Eastern Conference executive told The Athletic. “Seven-footers who move like him? They just don’t come around often. He’s top 3 material, no question.”
The Duke Factor
Duke has long been a breeding ground for NBA talent, and Maluach appears next in line to carry that legacy. His emergence adds to a growing list of Blue Devils projected to make immediate impacts at the next level — a testament to both his development and the program’s reputation for preparing NBA-ready talent.
