With the Oklahoma City Thunder claiming their first-ever NBA championship after defeating the Indiana Pacers (103-91) in a thrilling Game 7, the basketball world has immediately shifted its focus to the future.
The 2025 NBA Draft, set for June 25, promises to reshape franchises, and while much of the spotlight centers on projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, one NBA analyst believes another Duke standout could be the perfect solution for one team’s most pressing need.
Khaman Maluach Can Solve Toronto Raptors’ Problems
In a report from PFSN’s Bjorn Bergstrom, the Toronto Raptors are projected to land 18-year-old center Khaman Maluach with the No. 9 overall pick. Bergstrom notes that this pick could solve a critical weakness for Toronto: interior defense and athletic rim protection.
“Though he is currently limited to finishes at the rim, Maluach shot the ball well during the Combine and inspired optimism that he could turn into a threat outside of the paint with continued development.”
“Extremely raw but exceptionally athletic, he’s a fit for a Toronto Raptors team that lacks an above-the-rim threat at the center position. With Maluach, they’d have exactly that and be able to develop him behind starting center Jakob Poeltl,” wrote Bergstrom in his report.
Standing at 7’2″ with a solid 253-pound frame, Maluach showcased his skills in his lone freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils. In just 21.3 minutes per game, he averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while shooting an incredibly efficient 71.2% from the field. He also tallied 77 dunks — the second-most ever by a Duke freshman — and helped the Blue Devils reach the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament.
But his most impressive contributions came on the defensive end. When Maluach was on the floor, opponents shot just 53.6% at the rim, compared to 62.6% when he sat — a massive 9% drop in efficiency. His mobility and instincts allow him to switch onto perimeter players and still recover quickly to protect the paint, something Toronto desperately lacked last season.
How Maluach Fits Toronto’s Timeline
Maluach’s presence would create easier scoring opportunities for teammates by drawing defensive attention on rolls and opening driving lanes, while his rim protection would anchor Toronto’s defense, reducing pressure on perimeter defenders like RJ Barrett (if Barrett isn’t traded this offseason).
The South Sudan native didn’t start playing basketball until age 13, which explains his raw skill set. However, his 7’6.75″ wingspan and elite physical tools give him tremendous upside as a defensive anchor. For a rebuilding Raptors team, Maluach represents the foundational piece that can grow alongside their young core.
Khaman Maluach
7’1 Center out of Duke. Massive defensive anchor with elite rim protection instincts. Raw but improving fast and has intriguing two-way upside.
Strengths:
-Elite rim protector and lob threat
-Great length and mobility for size
-High character and coachable… pic.twitter.com/vFnAppzp7U
— The Raptors Digest (@RaptorsDigest) June 25, 2025
The Raptors wrapped up the 2024-25 campaign with a disappointing 30-52 record, missing the playoffs entirely. With rising stars like Scottie Barnes and Barrett leading the charge, the addition of a defensive anchor like Maluach could position Toronto for a potential deep postseason run in 2026.
While Maluach won’t contribute immediately as a rookie, his development timeline aligns perfectly with the Raptors’ rebuild. By the time Toronto’s young players hit their prime, Maluach could be the dominant two-way center they need to compete at the highest level.
