South Sudan’s Teen Star Enters NBA Spotlight

(Philadelphia) — Khaman Maluach, a 7 foot center who played one year at Duke University, is one of the most intriguing prospects heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. At just 18 years old, Maluach combines impressive physical attributes with a rare personal background, making him a player many teams are evaluating closely — including the Philadelphia 76ers.

Standing 7 feet and nearly 1 inch tall without shoes and weighing 253 pounds (approximately 114.76 kg), Maluach boasts a wingspan of 7 feet, 6.75 inches — the longest recorded at the NBA Draft Combine. His size immediately sets him apart, but his story and rapid development are just as compelling.

Maluach only began playing basketball in 2019. Despite his limited experience, he earned a spot on South Sudan’s national team and played in the Paris Olympics at age 17. He will be 18 on draft night, a reminder of just how early he is in his basketball journey.

At Duke, Maluach showed potential as a rim protector, averaging 2.5 blocks per 40 minutes. While not as dominant a shot blocker as some of his peers, he demonstrated an understanding of vertical defense and the ability to disrupt drives without fouling. His mobility for a player his size is notable; he can move his feet well enough to switch onto perimeter players in certain situations.

Offensively, Maluach kept things simple but effective. He was a reliable pick-and-roll partner, often finishing lob passes with ease. He converted 80.6% of his attempts at the rim, according to The Athletic, a sign that his lack of experience did not hurt his finishing ability. He also shot 76.6% from the free-throw line, an encouraging number for a young big man. His three-point shooting was limited — 4 makes in 16 attempts — but his overall touch offers hope for future development.

Still, Maluach is far from a finished product. In 21.9 minutes per game during his lone college season, he averaged 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds. He had just 20 assists to 30 turnovers across 39 games. His performance in Duke’s national championship loss to Houston raised concerns — he did not record a single rebound in 21 minutes of play.

Defensive rebounding remains a weak point. Maluach lacks lower-body strength and elite explosiveness, which hampers his ability to secure contested boards. At the combine, he ranked low in most athletic tests, including a 24-inch standing vertical leap. While adequate for a player of his size, it suggests he has room to grow in terms of positioning and effort on the glass.

Another question is how versatile Maluach can become at the NBA level. Currently, his offense mostly comes from lobs and put-backs. It’s unclear whether he will be able to expand his scoring range or handle different defensive schemes such as switching or drop coverage — both key factors for big men in the playoffs.

For the Philadelphia 76ers, Maluach is a curious fit. President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has emphasized selecting the best player available. But the presence of Joel Embiid, the Sixers’ franchise cornerstone, complicates matters. Embiid, now 31, has dealt with recurring left knee injuries, raising concerns about his long-term durability. If his health declines, the team could look to develop a reliable backup or successor.

Morey has a history of drafting centers in the second round. In 2024, he selected Adem Bona at 41st overall. Bona finished the season strong, starting the Sixers’ last nine games and averaging 15.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks. Previous center picks include Paul Reed (58th in 2020), Filip Petrusev (50th in 2021), and Charles Bassey (53rd in 2021).

Whether Maluach is selected at No. 3 or later through a trade-down, the Sixers — or any other team — would be betting on long-term potential. His tools are rare, and his development curve is steep. While there are risks, the rewards could be significant if he continues to grow as a player.