Khaman Maluach Rising: Duke Freshman Draws Spurs’ Interest Ahead of 2025 NBA Draft
A new wave of NBA talent is preparing to crash into the league, and among them is Duke Blue Devils’ towering center, Khaman Maluach. The 7-foot-2 South Sudanese sensation just wrapped up a remarkable freshman season at Durham, and as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, his name is gaining serious traction among front offices and scouts alike.
Maluach, who committed to Duke as a blue-chip prospect, quickly lived up to the hype in his first and only collegiate season. He played a critical role in helping the Blue Devils dominate the ACC, posting a 35-4 record, winning the ACC Tournament, and entering the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed. With notable victories over Mount St. Mary’s, Baylor, Arizona, and Alabama, Duke looked primed for another national title run — until they met a resilient Houston team in the Final Four.
Despite the loss, Maluach’s impact throughout the season did not go unnoticed. The freshman center averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, bringing a defensive presence in the paint that few in college basketball could match. His agility, timing, and floor awareness added a new dimension to Duke’s interior play, and scouts have taken note.
Following the season, Maluach joined fellow freshmen Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel in declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft. While Flagg has long been projected as the top pick, Maluach’s stock is rising fast — fast enough to attract attention from a franchise with a storied history of developing elite big men.
The Spurs See a Twin Tower Future
According to Krysten Peek of Hoops HQ, the San Antonio Spurs — who hold both the No. 2 and No. 14 picks — have shown interest in pairing Maluach with none other than last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Victor Wembanyama. Peek explained the potential of San Antonio building a new era frontcourt around two skyscraping prospects:
“Another buzzy name tied to the Spurs is Maluach, a 7-foot-2 center out of Duke. The Spurs could essentially be building twin towers with Wembanyama and Maluach, and there is an appeal to drafting another young big that can learn and grow alongside Wembanyama.”
Such a pairing would evoke memories of the Tim Duncan-David Robinson days — two dominant bigs anchoring both ends of the floor. While the idea of selecting Maluach with the No. 2 pick may seem like a stretch to some, Peek noted that the Spurs might explore trading down or packaging their 14th pick to secure him later in the lottery.
“It would be very unlikely that the Spurs would shock everyone and take Maluach with the No. 2 pick, but they could be looking to trade down or package the No. 14 pick for a shot at the talented center,” Peek added.
For a team that has missed the playoffs in each of the last five seasons, San Antonio is in clear rebuild mode. Adding a raw but gifted talent like Maluach, who could be mentored by Wembanyama and guided by Gregg Popovich’s system, could offer long-term defensive dominance and offensive flexibility.
A Unique Talent with Upside
While Maluach’s stats may not scream superstar — especially compared to other lottery-bound prospects — his ceiling is sky-high. He’s still developing his offensive game, but his footwork, shot-blocking, and rim-running ability are already NBA-ready. Scouts see him as a long-term investment — one who could evolve into an elite modern-day big, particularly when flanked by a playmaker or stretch big like Wembanyama.
His defensive versatility, combined with improving offensive touch, gives Maluach the potential to be more than just a shot blocker. He has the tools to become a two-way anchor in the league. His performance at Duke was steady, and his workouts leading up to the draft are expected to significantly impact his positioning.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 NBA Draft kicks off on June 25 at 8 p.m. ET, broadcast live on ABC and ESPN. While the headlines have largely focused on Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach is quietly becoming one of the more intriguing prospects in this year’s class.
Whether the Spurs make a bold move or another team seizes the opportunity, Maluach is set to hear his name called early. From South Sudan to Durham, and soon to the NBA — the journey continues for a young man built for the bright lights.
One thing is clear: Khaman Maluach is not just preparing for the next level — he’s rising to it.
Leave a Reply