2025 NBA Draft Prospects

[Jcool0]

Not to take anything away from Maluach, but a lot of these highlights are just misses. He’s nowhere close to affecting the shot

My beef with that tweet is different, which is that although Maluach does affect shots, he also gets beaten 1v1 a lot. If that tweeter wanted to make Maluach look bad, he could show the multiple times that Omier bullied Maluach near the rim.

Maluach is a project defensively as well as offensively. I mean, he might be a project worth taking -- I like him more now than I did earlier this year -- but if he does turn out to be a good NBA player, it's gonna take a while.

He won't be 20 untill his 2nd NBA season. He won't hit his prime years 27 until year 8. He is so far an injury free 7'2" center that won't be stuck in the paint. So even with little development he will still be playable.

[sco]

Not to take anything away from Maluach, but a lot of these highlights are just misses. He’s nowhere close to affecting the shot

My beef with that tweet is different, which is that although Maluach does affect shots, he also gets beaten 1v1 a lot. If that tweeter wanted to make Maluach look bad, he could show the multiple times that Omier bullied Maluach near the rim.

Maluach is a project defensively as well as offensively. I mean, he might be a project worth taking -- I like him more now than I did earlier this year -- but if he does turn out to be a good NBA player, it's gonna take a while.

He won't be 20 untill his 2nd NBA season. He won't hit his prime years 27 until year 8. He is so far an injury free 7'2" center that won't be stuck in the paint. So even with little development he will still be playable.

I know the scouting reports say this isn't true, but my biggest issue is that he looks slow footed to me. No quicker than Edey, who I don't get excited about, and Edey (although older) has a much deeper offensive arsenal.

I WANT to want Maluach, because a defensively elite C would be a big step forward.

[Guru]

My beef with that tweet is different, which is that although Maluach does affect shots, he also gets beaten 1v1 a lot. If that tweeter wanted to make Maluach look bad, he could show the multiple times that Omier bullied Maluach near the rim.

Maluach is a project defensively as well as offensively. I mean, he might be a project worth taking -- I like him more now than I did earlier this year -- but if he does turn out to be a good NBA player, it's gonna take a while.

He won't be 20 untill his 2nd NBA season. He won't hit his prime years 27 until year 8. He is so far an injury free 7'2" center that won't be stuck in the paint. So even with little development he will still be playable.

I know the scouting reports say this isn't true, but my biggest issue is that he looks slow footed to me. No quicker than Edey, who I don't get excited about, and Edey (although older) has a much deeper offensive arsenal.

I WANT to want Maluach, because a defensively elite C would be a big step forward.

Looks sloppy in everything.

[Jcool0]

My beef with that tweet is different, which is that although Maluach does affect shots, he also gets beaten 1v1 a lot. If that tweeter wanted to make Maluach look bad, he could show the multiple times that Omier bullied Maluach near the rim.

Maluach is a project defensively as well as offensively. I mean, he might be a project worth taking -- I like him more now than I did earlier this year -- but if he does turn out to be a good NBA player, it's gonna take a while.

He won't be 20 untill his 2nd NBA season. He won't hit his prime years 27 until year 8. He is so far an injury free 7'2" center that won't be stuck in the paint. So even with little development he will still be playable.

I know the scouting reports say this isn't true, but my biggest issue is that he looks slow footed to me. No quicker than Edey, who I don't get excited about, and Edey (although older) has a much deeper offensive arsenal.

I WANT to want Maluach, because a defensively elite C would be a big step forward.

I mean i haven't been watching all year but i have lately and i dont see slow at all for a 7'2" center. I am impressed by how well he moves. which gives me hope it wont be stuck in the paint.

[sco]

He won't be 20 untill his 2nd NBA season. He won't hit his prime years 27 until year 8. He is so far an injury free 7'2" center that won't be stuck in the paint. So even with little development he will still be playable.

I know the scouting reports say this isn't true, but my biggest issue is that he looks slow footed to me. No quicker than Edey, who I don't get excited about, and Edey (although older) has a much deeper offensive arsenal.

I WANT to want Maluach, because a defensively elite C would be a big step forward.

I mean i haven't been watching all year but i have lately and i dont see slow at all for a 7'2" center. I am impressed by how well he moves. which gives me hope it wont be stuck in the paint.

And I will admit the same, but in the highlights I don't see him closing out to 3pt shooters quickly.

[Jcool0]

He won't be 20 untill his 2nd NBA season. He won't hit his prime years 27 until year 8. He is so far an injury free 7'2" center that won't be stuck in the paint. So even with little development he will still be playable.

I know the scouting reports say this isn't true, but my biggest issue is that he looks slow footed to me. No quicker than Edey, who I don't get excited about, and Edey (although older) has a much deeper offensive arsenal.

I WANT to want Maluach, because a defensively elite C would be a big step forward.

Looks sloppy in everything.

I can see that as a criticism since he is new at the game... But when you say everything it makes me think you have never seen him play or just wanting to hate on him.

[Jcool0]

I know the scouting reports say this isn't true, but my biggest issue is that he looks slow footed to me. No quicker than Edey, who I don't get excited about, and Edey (although older) has a much deeper offensive arsenal.

I WANT to want Maluach, because a defensively elite C would be a big step forward.

I mean i haven't been watching all year but i have lately and i dont see slow at all for a 7'2" center. I am impressed by how well he moves. which gives me hope it wont be stuck in the paint.

And I will admit the same, but in the highlights I don't see him closing out to 3pt shooters quickly.

Not sure what you are comparing him to. He isn't a 6'5" guard or a 6'9" wing. He is a 7'2" center. He isn't going to be lightening quick. Wemby isn't lightening quick. He doesn't need to be. They can still both cover ground quickly.

[Guru]

I know the scouting reports say this isn't true, but my biggest issue is that he looks slow footed to me. No quicker than Edey, who I don't get excited about, and Edey (although older) has a much deeper offensive arsenal.

I WANT to want Maluach, because a defensively elite C would be a big step forward.

Looks sloppy in everything.

I can see that as a criticism since he is new at the game... But when you say everything it makes me think you have never seen him play or just wanting to hate on him.

I was in his corner and then watched him more and realized it's all projection with him. There isn't a thing he does well enough to be where he is. Why is he better than Kalkbrenner? Why is he better than Maxime Raynaud?

[Jcool0]

Looks sloppy in everything.

I can see that as a criticism since he is new at the game... But when you say everything it makes me think you have never seen him play or just wanting to hate on him.

I was in his corner and then watched him more and realized it's all projection with him. There isn't a thing he does well enough to be where he is. Why is he better than Kalkbrenner? Why is he better than Maxime Raynaud?

His lobs/rim running is an elite skill. Granted it helps he is 7'2" with that but you cant change that. Of course its all projection with him. He has been playing basketball for 5-6 years. He will be 19 during his rookie year. If it was more production he would be #2 on everyone's board. Ive said a million times Duke is keeping it simple with him right now and its working out very well. The goal for them is a national title not to develop his 3PT shot. Which is better then what he has shown at Duke. He is not Donovan Clingan.

[Guru]

I can see that as a criticism since he is new at the game... But when you say everything it makes me think you have never seen him play or just wanting to hate on him.

I was in his corner and then watched him more and realized it's all projection with him. There isn't a thing he does well enough to be where he is. Why is he better than Kalkbrenner? Why is he better than Maxime Raynaud?

His lobs/rim running is an elite skill. Granted it helps he is 7'2" with that but you cant change that. Of course its all projection with him. He has been playing basketball for 5-6 years. He will be 19 during his rookie year. If it was more production he would be #2 on everyone's board. Ive said a million times Duke is keeping it simple with him right now and its working out very well. The goal for them is a national title not to develop his 3PT shot. Which is better then what he has shown at Duke. He is not Donovan Clingan.

Is he really a rim runner even? He can block shots but his numbers arent great there. He does catch lobs immediately over the basket. He doesn't really catch them in fast breaks even.

[Jcool0]

I was in his corner and then watched him more and realized it's all projection with him. There isn't a thing he does well enough to be where he is. Why is he better than Kalkbrenner? Why is he better than Maxime Raynaud?

His lobs/rim running is an elite skill. Granted it helps he is 7'2" with that but you cant change that. Of course its all projection with him. He has been playing basketball for 5-6 years. He will be 19 during his rookie year. If it was more production he would be #2 on everyone's board. Ive said a million times Duke is keeping it simple with him right now and its working out very well. The goal for them is a national title not to develop his 3PT shot. Which is better then what he has shown at Duke. He is not Donovan Clingan.

Is he really a rim runner even? He can block shots but his numbers arent great there. He does catch lobs immediately over the basket. He doesn't really catch them in fast breaks even.

Another impressive finishing stat for Khaman is that he spends over 55% of his at-rim finishes dunking the ball. That ranks in the 98th percentile. These aren’t just the typical “I’m big” dunks—many times, he catches the ball on the move or catches a lob and converts above the rim.

Being able to be so effective at this skill is immensely valuable for big men in the NBA. To compare him to other bigs, Mark Williams dunked on his at-rim shots 48.4% of his time at Duke. Donovan Clingan dunked on only 22.3% of his interior finishes. Yves Missi was at 36.9%. Walker Kessler was at 44%. Zach Edey, 41.6%. Only Dereck Lively II, who finished over 64% of his inside shots with a dunk, ranked higher within that player group.

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/khaman-maluach-unicorns-arent-real

[sco]

His lobs/rim running is an elite skill. Granted it helps he is 7'2" with that but you cant change that. Of course its all projection with him. He has been playing basketball for 5-6 years. He will be 19 during his rookie year. If it was more production he would be #2 on everyone's board. Ive said a million times Duke is keeping it simple with him right now and its working out very well. The goal for them is a national title not to develop his 3PT shot. Which is better then what he has shown at Duke. He is not Donovan Clingan.

Is he really a rim runner even? He can block shots but his numbers arent great there. He does catch lobs immediately over the basket. He doesn't really catch them in fast breaks even.

Another impressive finishing stat for Khaman is that he spends over 55% of his at-rim finishes dunking the ball. That ranks in the 98th percentile. These aren’t just the typical “I’m big” dunks—many times, he catches the ball on the move or catches a lob and converts above the rim.

Being able to be so effective at this skill is immensely valuable for big men in the NBA. To compare him to other bigs, Mark Williams dunked on his at-rim shots 48.4% of his time at Duke. Donovan Clingan dunked on only 22.3% of his interior finishes. Yves Missi was at 36.9%. Walker Kessler was at 44%. Zach Edey, 41.6%. Only Dereck Lively II, who finished over 64% of his inside shots with a dunk, ranked higher within that player group.

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/khaman-maluach-unicorns-arent-real

But are those other guys lower % because they can score without dunking and Maluach has no ability to make layups?

[drosestruts]

Looks sloppy in everything.

I can see that as a criticism since he is new at the game... But when you say everything it makes me think you have never seen him play or just wanting to hate on him.

I was in his corner and then watched him more and realized it's all projection with him. There isn't a thing he does well enough to be where he is. Why is he better than Kalkbrenner? Why is he better than Maxime Raynaud?

It is all projection and potential and that's a risky game to play.

The greatest benefit of rookie contracts is you have a cheap cost-controlled player for 4 years. We're seeing more and more often that these project players are taking more than 4-years to really find their footing in the NBA.

You're often into a second contract and then definitely overpaying before you start getting actual meaningful contributions from these players.

If you're looking for value through on court contributions during a players rookie contract Maluach is probably not the move (granted this can be said about a lot of the highly projected players).

[Jcool0]

Is he really a rim runner even? He can block shots but his numbers arent great there. He does catch lobs immediately over the basket. He doesn't really catch them in fast breaks even.

Another impressive finishing stat for Khaman is that he spends over 55% of his at-rim finishes dunking the ball. That ranks in the 98th percentile. These aren’t just the typical “I’m big” dunks—many times, he catches the ball on the move or catches a lob and converts above the rim.

Being able to be so effective at this skill is immensely valuable for big men in the NBA. To compare him to other bigs, Mark Williams dunked on his at-rim shots 48.4% of his time at Duke. Donovan Clingan dunked on only 22.3% of his interior finishes. Yves Missi was at 36.9%. Walker Kessler was at 44%. Zach Edey, 41.6%. Only Dereck Lively II, who finished over 64% of his inside shots with a dunk, ranked higher within that player group.

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/khaman-maluach-unicorns-arent-real

But are those other guys lower % because they can score without dunking and Maluach has no ability to make layups?

a layup and a dunk are both worth 2 points.

[sco]

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/khaman-maluach-unicorns-arent-real

But are those other guys lower % because they can score without dunking and Maluach has no ability to make layups?

a layup and a dunk are both worth 2 points.

I was making the same point.

[moorhosj]

Why is he better than Kalkbrenner? Why is he better than Maxime Raynaud?

I think it's because he is longer, has similar advanced stats, and is still 4 years younger than Kalkbrenner and Raynaud.

Maluach's FT%, TS%, Rebounding%, WS/40, ORtg, and DRtg are all the highest of the group. His BPM is higher than Raynaud and slightly below Kalkbrenner (who is playing his 5th season of college basketball).

That doesn't mean he will be better, but it isn't hard to figure out why evaluators think he has the highest ceiling of that group.

[Jcool0]

I can see that as a criticism since he is new at the game... But when you say everything it makes me think you have never seen him play or just wanting to hate on him.

I was in his corner and then watched him more and realized it's all projection with him. There isn't a thing he does well enough to be where he is. Why is he better than Kalkbrenner? Why is he better than Maxime Raynaud?

It is all projection and potential and that's a risky game to play.

The greatest benefit of rookie contracts is you have a cheap cost-controlled player for 4 years. We're seeing more and more often that these project players are taking more than 4-years to really find their footing in the NBA.

You're often into a second contract and then definitely overpaying before you start getting actual meaningful contributions from these players.

If you're looking for value through on court contributions during a players rookie contract Maluach is probably not the move (granted this can be said about a lot of the highly projected players).

This isn't the NFL where having a QB on a rookie deal is your most valuable asset. I dont hear the Spurs talking: We have Wemby on a rookie deal we better get assets to start contenting now. Most teams wont even content with polished rookies until there rookie deals are up. Orlando gave Wagner a max deal before he had even won a playoff series.

[Jcool0]

But are those other guys lower % because they can score without dunking and Maluach has no ability to make layups?

a layup and a dunk are both worth 2 points.

I was making the same point.

I saw a lot of Clingan last year and dont remember many layups.

[Guru]

FWIW great convo about Malauch and if draft him I hope you are right.

[drosestruts]

I was in his corner and then watched him more and realized it's all projection with him. There isn't a thing he does well enough to be where he is. Why is he better than Kalkbrenner? Why is he better than Maxime Raynaud?

It is all projection and potential and that's a risky game to play.

The greatest benefit of rookie contracts is you have a cheap cost-controlled player for 4 years. We're seeing more and more often that these project players are taking more than 4-years to really find their footing in the NBA.

You're often into a second contract and then definitely overpaying before you start getting actual meaningful contributions from these players.

If you're looking for value through on court contributions during a players rookie contract Maluach is probably not the move (granted this can be said about a lot of the highly projected players).

This isn't the NFL where having a QB on a rookie deal is your most valuable asset. I dont hear the Spurs talking: We have Wemby on a rookie deal we better get assets to start contenting now. Most teams wont even content with polished rookies until there rookie deals are up. Orlando gave Wagner a max deal before he had even won a playoff series.

What? The Spurs have added De'Aaron Fox, Chris Paul, and Harrison Barnes this year.

They've also traded current year draft picks for future year draft picks when they know their roster (read Wemby) will be much more expensive and they'll need cheap talent (read draft picks).

I agree that most teams won't contend until a player is beyond year 4. Most players aren't ready to make an impact like that so quickly.

Wemby is - and I think we'll continue to see the Spurs attempt to be aggressive with the two remaining years on his rookie deal.

Ant was - and Minnesota made big moves for Gobert and Conley

2019 Raptors sure benefited from Siakam, Powell and VanVleet all being on rookie deals