9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Maluach is a towering rim protector with switchable mobility, erasing shots at the rim and shadowing quick guards on the perimeter. In the long term he could be the anchor of the Raptors' defense. But beyond dunking lobs, he’s a work in progress on offense with a lack of seasoning as a screener, shooter and creator. He also grabbed zero rebounds in his final game at Duke. Such a raw skill set should come as no surprise since the South Sudan native didn’t start playing basketball until he was 13. Patience could pay off for the Raptors though.
10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix): Kasparas Jakučionis, G, Illinois
Jakučionis is a slick shot-creator with a creative passing gene and a fearless scoring ability, carving up defenses with crafty finishes, step-back jumpers and jaw-dropping passes. But as a freshman he’d follow up those highlights with turnover brain-farts that derail the hype train. The Rockets have so many different shot creators that he could lean into his strengths as a shooter and develop his point skills in a minimized role. But they don’t have the guy, so there’d certainly be pressure on KJ to become the offensive engine.
I think under Darko you can work with Jak
