As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes are on two of the most promising big men prospects in college basketball: Duke’s Khaman Maluach and Maryland’s Derik Queen. Both players have taken very different paths to stardom, but now find themselves at the top of scouting boards across the NBA.

In an era where versatility, speed, and adaptability define the modern big man, Maluach and Queen represent two distinct yet highly valuable archetypes. Maluach is a towering 7’2″ shot-blocking anchor with elite defensive instincts and international experience. Queen, by contrast, is a savvy, skilled scorer with polished footwork, exceptional passing for his position, and a feel for the game that can’t be taught.

Together, they represent the pinnacle of big man talent in the 2025 draft—and a major storyline that could shape multiple NBA franchises for years to come.

Khaman Maluach: The Defensive Giant With Sky-High Upside

School: Duke
Height/Weight: 7’2”, 230 lbs
Stats: 9.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.4 BPG, 68.7% FG

Background & Rise

Born in South Sudan and raised in Uganda, Khaman Maluach’s journey to Duke is nothing short of remarkable. A product of the NBA Academy Africa, Maluach was identified early as one of the continent’s top prospects. Despite only beginning to play basketball seriously as a teenager, his development has been rapid—and now, he’s considered one of the top five prospects in the world.

Maluach’s commitment to Duke in 2024 was a significant win for the Blue Devils, and he didn’t disappoint. As a freshman, he quickly became a fan favorite due to his shot-blocking, rebounding, and high motor. He anchored one of the best defenses in the ACC and showed flashes of an expanding offensive game.

Strengths

• Rim Protection: With elite timing and a massive wingspan (reportedly 7’5″), Maluach is a menace in the paint. He averaged over 2 blocks per game and altered countless others.
• Switchability: Unlike many big men his size, Maluach can move his feet well and stay in front of quicker guards, making him an ideal pick-and-roll defender.
• Efficient Finishing: He converted nearly 69% of his field goal attempts, most of them around the rim or off lobs.
• International Poise: Playing in global FIBA events has given him a mature, composed presence on the court.

Areas for Improvement

• Raw Offense: While efficient, Maluach isn’t yet comfortable creating his own shot. His post moves are basic, and his face-up game needs development.
• Free Throw Shooting: He shot just 61% from the line, a concern for a player likely to draw contact in the NBA.
• Strength: He’s still thin for an NBA center and will need to bulk up to handle physical post play.

NBA Fit and Outlook

Scouts view Maluach as a long-term project with All-Defensive Team potential. Teams that need rim protection and rebounding—such as the San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, or Portland Trail Blazers—could target him in the top 5.

Derik Queen: A Throwback Skill Set With Modern Polish

School: Maryland
Height/Weight: 6’10”, 245 lbs
Stats: 17.8 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 3.1 APG, 54.2% FG

Background & Rise

Derik Queen’s story is rooted in American high school dominance. A former standout at Montverde Academy, he was a McDonald’s All-American and the highest-rated recruit to commit to Maryland in over a decade.

Queen didn’t take long to make his presence felt in the Big Ten. He led Maryland in scoring and rebounding as a freshman and earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors. While not as flashy as other prospects, his basketball IQ, scoring touch, and passing instincts make him one of the most polished big men in the draft.

Strengths

• Post Scoring: Queen is a master in the low block. He uses footwork, ball fakes, and body control to score over both shoulders.
• Passing Ability: He’s a gifted playmaker for a big, averaging over 3 assists per game and facilitating out of the high post.
• Versatility: Comfortable facing up defenders, hitting mid-range jumpers, and operating in pick-and-roll sets.
• Physicality: Strong lower body allows him to hold position and box out well.

Areas for Improvement

• Defense: Queen’s biggest question mark is on the defensive end. He’s not an elite rim protector and can struggle guarding in space.
• Three-Point Range: He attempted less than one three-pointer per game. If he can extend his range, it’ll unlock another level of offensive potential.
• Athleticism: He’s more ground-bound than other top-tier prospects, which might limit his ceiling in transition-heavy or fast-paced systems.

NBA Fit and Outlook

Queen fits best in a system that leverages skilled bigs—like the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, or Dallas Mavericks. He’s likely to be selected in the lottery (anywhere from 7 to 14), depending on how teams prioritize offense versus defense.

Head-to-Head Comparison

How They Fit Into the 2025 Draft Landscape

The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be unusually deep, particularly at the guard and wing spots. That makes the rise of Maluach and Queen even more notable—they’ve become the clear front-runners among big men in a class dominated by perimeter players.

Both players offer something unique:

• Maluach provides a modern defensive anchor for teams looking to build from the inside out.
• Queen delivers the kind of offensive versatility that can run through the post, a rarity in today’s game.

Each brings franchise-altering potential, depending on team context.

What Scouts and Executives Are Saying

NBA Scout, Eastern Conference:

“If Maluach gets a mid-range jumper and 20 more pounds of muscle, he’s going to be a nightmare for 10 years.”

Western Conference GM:

“Queen reminds me of a young Sabonis. Not fast, not flashy—but you blink and he’s got 22 points and 10 boards.”

College Analyst:

“These two are very different. Maluach is a long-term bet; Queen is a plug-and-play offensive weapon.”

As the 2025 NBA Draft nears, Khaman Maluach and Derik Queen stand out not just as the top big men, but as players who could shape the future of their NBA franchises. Whether it’s Maluach’s towering defensive presence or Queen’s polished offensive arsenal, these two have proven that the big man is not just surviving—but thriving—in modern basketball.

And when the commissioner steps to the podium on draft night, don’t be surprised if both these names are called within the first 10 picks. The next generation of elite bigs is here—and they’re ready to dominate.