Former Duke center Khaman Maluach showcased his elite athleticism and skill in a standout predraft workout, solidifying his status as a projected lottery pick just days before the NBA Combine.

As the 2025 NBA Draft draws closer, one name continues to rise on draft boards: Khaman Maluach. The former Duke Blue Devil center, known for his towering presence on the court and his fluid athleticism, has put on a series of impressive performances during his predraft workouts, solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising young players in this year’s draft class. Just days before the NBA Combine, Maluach has become a hot topic of conversation among scouts, analysts, and fans alike. His explosive talent, combined with his relentless work ethic, has made him a near-lock for a lottery pick—an incredible accomplishment for a player whose rise to prominence has been both rapid and captivating.

The Rise of Khaman Maluach

Khaman Maluach’s journey to NBA lottery consideration has been a remarkable one, marked by perseverance, growth, and a commitment to refining his game. A standout at Duke University, Maluach has consistently wowed spectators with his combination of size, skill, and athleticism. Standing at 7 feet tall, with an impressive wingspan and mobility for a player of his size, Maluach has the potential to be a transformative force in the NBA, both on the defensive and offensive sides of the ball.

While he wasn’t always considered a surefire lottery pick, Maluach’s performance during his final season at Duke turned heads. Known for his elite shot-blocking ability and ability to dominate in the paint, he also began to develop a more well-rounded game, showcasing his potential as a versatile big man. His offensive game, once a work in progress, grew by leaps and bounds, and his defensive prowess became even more pronounced. These developments have only added to his stock heading into the NBA Draft, making his predraft workouts all the more crucial.

Predraft Workouts: A Glimpse of Potential

In the days leading up to the NBA Combine, Maluach’s predraft workouts have made a significant impact. Scouts and team executives have noted his impressive physical attributes and the way he moves on the floor. At 7 feet tall, he moves with the agility and fluidity of a much smaller player, able to switch on defense, contest shots, and run the floor in transition. His speed, vertical leap, and ability to finish around the rim have made him one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class.

Perhaps one of the most striking elements of Maluach’s workout performances has been his improved shooting range. While his offensive game was once primarily limited to the paint, he has spent considerable time developing his jumper, particularly from mid-range and beyond the arc. In a league that increasingly values stretch bigs—players who can space the floor and contribute offensively from all areas of the court—Maluach’s potential to develop a consistent outside shot makes him even more appealing to NBA teams.

Defensively, Maluach has long been regarded as one of the top shot-blockers in college basketball, and his predraft workouts have only reinforced this reputation. His ability to protect the rim and alter shots is one of his strongest assets, and scouts have been particularly impressed by how he uses his length and timing to contest shots from opponents in the paint. His ability to switch onto guards in pick-and-roll situations and defend in space is another area where he has made significant strides, proving that he can contribute in multiple defensive schemes at the next level.

The Duke Influence

Malauach’s development as a player was nurtured during his time at Duke, one of the premier basketball programs in the nation. Under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer, Maluach was able to hone his skills in a structured, competitive environment. Duke has a long history of producing NBA talent, and Maluach was able to learn from some of the best players in the country, improving his basketball IQ, conditioning, and overall game.

During his time with the Blue Devils, Maluach consistently showcased his ability to contribute to winning basketball. Whether it was as a rim protector, a rebounder, or a scorer in the post, Maluach showed a well-rounded game that translated to team success. His understanding of spacing, offensive flow, and defensive positioning made him a vital asset to his team, and that versatility is what makes him an exciting prospect heading into the NBA.

What sets Maluach apart from many other players in this draft class is his maturity and mental approach to the game. While many young players come into the NBA with raw talent but limited experience, Maluach has a solid foundation and has already faced tough competition at the collegiate level. This will allow him to adjust more quickly to the demands of the NBA, where the competition is more intense, and the stakes are higher.

The Lottery Buzz: What Makes Maluach So Appealing?

Maluach’s combination of size, athleticism, and skill has made him a top target for NBA teams looking to add a versatile big man. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has caught the attention of scouts, and many believe he has the potential to be a key contributor for any NBA team.

1. Size and Length
Maluach’s 7-foot frame and long wingspan immediately make him an imposing presence on the court. His size allows him to dominate the boards and protect the rim, two crucial areas of the game for any center. He is able to contest shots without fouling and is effective in altering opponents’ attempts at the rim. This ability to be a shot-blocking threat makes him an immediate asset on defense in the NBA.

2. Athleticism and Mobility
At his size, Maluach’s mobility is a standout trait. His ability to move fluidly around the court allows him to guard multiple positions, from opposing big men to quicker, smaller players. His agility and lateral quickness make him effective in pick-and-roll situations, allowing him to switch and defend on the perimeter when needed. As the NBA continues to move towards a more positionless style of play, Maluach’s ability to guard multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for any team’s defensive scheme.

3. Offensive Potential
Maluach’s offensive game was once seen as his weak point, but his improvement in this area has been one of the key talking points of his predraft workouts. He has shown an ability to hit mid-range shots and has even expanded his range to include a reliable three-point shot. This added dimension to his game has made him a more appealing prospect, as NBA teams value big men who can stretch the floor and provide spacing for their guards and wings.

In addition to his shooting, Maluach has also improved his ability to finish around the rim. His soft touch and improved footwork in the post allow him to finish through contact and convert difficult opportunities into points. His ability to establish position in the paint and create space for himself has made him a more well-rounded offensive player.

4. Defensive Versatility
As mentioned earlier, Maluach’s defense is what truly sets him apart. His shot-blocking ability is elite, and his ability to switch onto smaller players in pick-and-roll scenarios only adds to his defensive value. In a league that is increasingly focused on versatile defenders who can guard multiple positions, Maluach’s ability to excel in this area makes him a sought-after commodity.

What’s Next for Khaman Maluach?

With the NBA Combine fast approaching, all eyes will be on Khaman Maluach as he continues to showcase his skills and solidify his place in the draft. NBA teams will be looking for not only his physical attributes and skill set but also his ability to adjust to the speed of the professional game. If his predraft workouts are any indication, Maluach is well on his way to becoming a standout in the league.

For Maluach, the coming weeks will be crucial as he prepares for the Combine and the subsequent NBA Draft. If he continues to impress with his versatility and work ethic, it’s clear that he will be a major contributor at the next level. As he prepares to make the leap from Duke to the NBA, the basketball world is watching closely to see if Khaman Maluach will live up to the lofty expectations now set before him.

With his combination of size, athleticism, and skill, Maluach is poised to make an immediate impact in the NBA. Whether he ends up being selected in the top ten of the 2025 NBA Draft or later, there’s no doubt that he has the potential to become one of the league’s premier big men in the years to come.

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