2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 5

[Dalek]

team was a +9 net (112.7 ortg 103.7 drtg) with koloko ON court in 22/23 and his offense was bad. can maluach have a similar impact as a rookie?

Koloko was a junior coming out of college - age 22 - so he had some time to develop that Khaman hasn't had.

My comparable would be Yves Missi who was 20 but similarly raw as Khaman is.

Maluach and Missi both had similar statsitcal college seasons. After watching Missi this year do you think he will stick in the league?

To me, he looks like he will be around for a few years for sure being a defensive pest and lob catcher. I think Maluach would be better given his plus size and better shooting mechanics.

[Prestige]

Update on Maluach:

- He’s not leaving the United States for the foreseeable future because he won’t be allowed back in
- Raptors cannot and will not draft him unless things change
-He likely won’t even be able to play against them in Canada until he earns a green card or the current restrictions are relaxed.

Those who weren’t fans of his will have some relief, others will be crushed.

Currently, Rubio’s decision affects South Sudanese people outside the U.S. seeking visas that would allow them to enter the country. Maluach’s current student status would remain valid unless the Trump administration were to issue a deportation order, which it has not done, according to Travis Murphy, who has worked as a U.S. diplomat and with the NBA in international governmental affairs.

“If they are in the country legally and visas have been canceled, then they cannot leave the country,” said Murphy, now the CEO of Jetr Global Sports and Entertainment. “They have to stay in status here in the United States and would not be able to leave because they would no longer have a valid visa to get back into the country.”

Murphy said that if Maluach were to leave Duke and get drafted by an NBA team, he could get different documents that would allow him to compete in the U.S. as an athlete, but he would still be unable to leave and reenter the country unless the Trump administration were to issue some sort of waiver.

“His best option at this point is to stay in the United States, in valid visa status,” Murphy said.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6262740/2025/04/07/khaman-maluach-duke-south-sudan-trump-rubio-visa/

[Thaddy]

Update on Maluach:

- He’s not leaving the United States for the foreseeable future
- Raptors cannot and will not draft him unless things change

-He likely won’t even be able to play against them in Canada until he earns a green card or the current restrictions are relaxed.

Those who weren’t fans of his will have some relief, others will be crushed.

Currently, Rubio’s decision affects South Sudanese people outside the U.S. seeking visas that would allow them to enter the country. Maluach’s current student status would remain valid unless the Trump administration were to issue a deportation order, which it has not done, according to Travis Murphy, who has worked as a U.S. diplomat and with the NBA in international governmental affairs.

“If they are in the country legally and visas have been canceled, then they cannot leave the country,” said Murphy, now the CEO of Jetr Global Sports and Entertainment. “They have to stay in status here in the United States and would not be able to leave because they would no longer have a valid visa to get back into the country.”

Murphy said that if Maluach were to leave Duke and get drafted by an NBA team, he could get different documents that would allow him to compete in the U.S. as an athlete, but he would still be unable to leave and reenter the country unless the Trump administration were to issue some sort of waiver.

“His best option at this point is to stay in the United States, in valid visa status,” Murphy said.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6262740/2025/04/07/khaman-maluach-duke-south-sudan-trump-rubio-visa/

I was a fan early on but the lack of motor, toughness, and defensive productivity drove me away from him. I don't think he's going to be a NBA player, if he is it's going to be a longshot similar to Chomche. We still need a big though and the highest ranked one of the bigs in our range for me is Newell. He's 6-11 so he doesn't have great size and the length is average but the toughness, gritty game, spring to his jump, and foundational skills are much better. Neither of these guys will create their own shot or do it at an insane level in the NBA. I rather take the high floor player who could also be developed into something more.

[DreamTeam09]

team was a +9 net (112.7 ortg 103.7 drtg) with koloko ON court in 22/23 and his offense was bad. can maluach have a similar impact as a rookie?

Wow good find

Khaman is infinitely the better prospect and he's coming out earlier as a freshman. Khaman would definitely match & I think exceed rookie koloko for us. Makes me even wanna double down even more,

I'm a queen fan.

[DreamTeam09]

Update on Maluach:

- He’s not leaving the United States for the foreseeable future because he won’t be allowed back in
- Raptors cannot and will not draft him unless things change
-He likely won’t even be able to play against them in Canada until he earns a green card or the current restrictions are relaxed.

Those who weren’t fans of his will have some relief, others will be crushed.

Currently, Rubio’s decision affects South Sudanese people outside the U.S. seeking visas that would allow them to enter the country. Maluach’s current student status would remain valid unless the Trump administration were to issue a deportation order, which it has not done, according to Travis Murphy, who has worked as a U.S. diplomat and with the NBA in international governmental affairs.

“If they are in the country legally and visas have been canceled, then they cannot leave the country,” said Murphy, now the CEO of Jetr Global Sports and Entertainment. “They have to stay in status here in the United States and would not be able to leave because they would no longer have a valid visa to get back into the country.”

Murphy said that if Maluach were to leave Duke and get drafted by an NBA team, he could get different documents that would allow him to compete in the U.S. as an athlete, but he would still be unable to leave and reenter the country unless the Trump administration were to issue some sort of waiver.

“His best option at this point is to stay in the United States, in valid visa status,” Murphy said.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6262740/2025/04/07/khaman-maluach-duke-south-sudan-trump-rubio-visa/

This is the NBA, billion dollar organization. That's not going to impact us from drafting him, that would be worked out with a few phone calls

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Maluach is so poor fundamentally. I think he'd be a total whiff. Mobility is worthless if you're always out of position.

I have highlight tape bias towards Walter Clayton Jr. Prolific shot-making.

Could have sworn everyone including Scheyer praised him for his positioning this year and stated how rare it is to see an 18 y/o as fundamentally sound as him.

It's a stretch to read too much into that statement, he plays with Flagg and Knueppel. They are clearly more refined. Watch him play. He's an intriguing athlete, don't get me wrong.

The game is getting more and more skilled. Betting on guys who are already behind the curve is how you flirt with irrelevance. Go get guys who are good at basketball and not simply upper echelon athletes.

Plus he looks weak. Looks like he'll be a foul machine with the way gets bowled into flexion constantly. You gotta be able to stay straight up.

flagg and knueppel benefitted as much from khaman as khaman benefitted from duke's system and those guys playing well in it just as he did. if khaman were undisciplined as **** he would have had 5+ fouls p36 without a doubt.

as someone who had edey 4th last year i heard the same crap about his D nonstop

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

Update on Maluach:

- He’s not leaving the United States for the foreseeable future because he won’t be allowed back in
- Raptors cannot and will not draft him unless things change
-He likely won’t even be able to play against them in Canada until he earns a green card or the current restrictions are relaxed.

Those who weren’t fans of his will have some relief, others will be crushed.

Currently, Rubio’s decision affects South Sudanese people outside the U.S. seeking visas that would allow them to enter the country. Maluach’s current student status would remain valid unless the Trump administration were to issue a deportation order, which it has not done, according to Travis Murphy, who has worked as a U.S. diplomat and with the NBA in international governmental affairs.

“If they are in the country legally and visas have been canceled, then they cannot leave the country,” said Murphy, now the CEO of Jetr Global Sports and Entertainment. “They have to stay in status here in the United States and would not be able to leave because they would no longer have a valid visa to get back into the country.”

Murphy said that if Maluach were to leave Duke and get drafted by an NBA team, he could get different documents that would allow him to compete in the U.S. as an athlete, but he would still be unable to leave and reenter the country unless the Trump administration were to issue some sort of waiver.

“His best option at this point is to stay in the United States, in valid visa status,” Murphy said.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6262740/2025/04/07/khaman-maluach-duke-south-sudan-trump-rubio-visa/

even more adversity and reason for the kid to bust his ass in the gym

[DreamTeam09]

The good thing if we grab Queen, he immediately plugs a hole in the 2nd unit and you still have the upside. But he is more ready to be a positive player vs Maluach or likely any of the guards.

And you could experiment with playing him and Yak together to see how that meshes...which is likely good because everyone plays well with Yak it seems.

I just hope we enter next season with a legit good backup C

If Khaman comes into the NBA doing the exact same things he did at Duke, that would be way more ready to positively impact our 2nd unit next year compared to the non-defensive somewhat poor screen setter in Queen

I feel like what queen would give you would be like Kelly O on steroids offensively, with way better rebounding. I’m kind of a believer in him, because although the defence is the big worry, he has one of the more realistic paths to becoming an offensive game changer. He is smart, and I really project the offensive game to translate. Think guys like sengun, Damantas sabonis, Kevin love, guys that have high IQs, high skill level and understand angles and can also rebound. Guys like this are good enough and smart enough to take a chance on the defence. Queen looks like he could have all star level offensive talent to me and he’d be in a great spot playing that same role that Kelly played for us last year. He is 6th on my board at the moment.

I'm a fan of Queen, and your Kelly O comp is a good one and does give me more reassurance actually so it's not like I'll be mad at selection him either. The height and mobility of Khaman & defense is what has me dreaming. Queen's game does lead to all-star possiblity tho

[DreamTeam09]

I think if you hate Maulauch's feel than if you gamble on anyone to be a star, I think Noa Essengue should be a in consideration at 7 as he is getting stronger over the past few games. He has this whole Tashaun Prince vibe to him.

Noa Essengue is 6'11 has a 9'3.25'' standing reach better than Alex Sarr and Yves Missi.
62 TS%
He is usually the faster player running end to end.
.80 FTR
Willing passer - neutral ast-to ; mostly in a finisher role.
Youngest player in the class (I think)

Last five games:
51/44/64
12 PPG
5.8 TRB
1.6 AST
1.2 STL
0.6 BLK

No way is he 6'11, if so he's the best player in this draft but I don't think he's 6'11

[WuTang_CMB]

I think if you hate Maulauch's feel than if you gamble on anyone to be a star, I think Noa Essengue should be a in consideration at 7 as he is getting stronger over the past few games. He has this whole Tashaun Prince vibe to him.

Noa Essengue is 6'11 has a 9'3.25'' standing reach better than Alex Sarr and Yves Missi.
62 TS%
He is usually the faster player running end to end.
.80 FTR
Willing passer - neutral ast-to ; mostly in a finisher role.
Youngest player in the class (I think)

Last five games:
51/44/64
12 PPG
5.8 TRB
1.6 AST
1.2 STL
0.6 BLK

No way is he 6'11, if so he's the best player in this draft but I don't think he's 6'11

6'10” with shoes. 6'11” wingspan. 198 pounds. 9'3 ¼” standing reach

[Indeed]

I think if you hate Maulauch's feel than if you gamble on anyone to be a star, I think Noa Essengue should be a in consideration at 7 as he is getting stronger over the past few games. He has this whole Tashaun Prince vibe to him.

Noa Essengue is 6'11 has a 9'3.25'' standing reach better than Alex Sarr and Yves Missi.
62 TS%
He is usually the faster player running end to end.
.80 FTR
Willing passer - neutral ast-to ; mostly in a finisher role.
Youngest player in the class (I think)

Last five games:
51/44/64
12 PPG
5.8 TRB
1.6 AST
1.2 STL
0.6 BLK

No way is he 6'11, if so he's the best player in this draft but I don't think he's 6'11

6'10” with shoes. 6'11” wingspan. 198 pounds. 9'3 ¼” standing reach

He is raw on offense as well. Looks to have some perimeter skill, and being quick on defense.
Maluach should be higher than him due to being taller and longer, but Essengue is not far behind. I have Carter Bryant in front of him though, as Bryant seems to be a good shooter.

[Indeed]

Queen looks too small for C and looks too slow for PF I don't see the fit with him on the Raptors next to Scottie, especially since neither can shoot well. Newell looks like the better fit now and in the long term. He reminds me of a mini Giannis, his rebounding numbers are good, he's springy and can move in the open floor, and he's shown more of a three point shot. Queen has an edge on footwork and fluidity but Newell isn't behind there, he's also younger than Queen. I doubt either is an all star but I could see us developing Newell and expanding his game. He's a known hard worker and you can see he's in great shape compared to Queen. I think he's going to destroy him in the athletic testing.

Newell would be my safe pick in this draft, and someone who's within our range. Worse case we get a 3rd big that can play both PF/C positions. But considering the state of our franchise we should be thinking about getting a high potential pick that our culture and development system can elevate to be the best player in the draft over the next 5 years. I would be looking at motor, size, toughness, fundamental skills, development curve in the past 3 years, and character rather than production.

You don't draft on fit, and you don't build around someone with way below average offense.
Queen will be a PF and best next to a switchable C, but he can play C off the bench. The hope is him losing weight to gain enough mobility to play at PF. Queen will easily be an all-star.

Meanwhile, I am very low on Newell, I had Sorber ahead of him. Not long enough to play C, and not skillful enough to play PF. Undersize finisher.

[Psubs]

I think if you hate Maulauch's feel than if you gamble on anyone to be a star, I think Noa Essengue should be a in consideration at 7 as he is getting stronger over the past few games. He has this whole Tashaun Prince vibe to him.

Noa Essengue is 6'11 has a 9'3.25'' standing reach better than Alex Sarr and Yves Missi.
62 TS%
He is usually the faster player running end to end.
.80 FTR
Willing passer - neutral ast-to ; mostly in a finisher role.
Youngest player in the class (I think)

Last five games:
51/44/64
12 PPG
5.8 TRB
1.6 AST
1.2 STL
0.6 BLK

He went from 6'8 to 6'10 this year. Maybe he becomes a taller Jaden McDaniels?

[billy_hoyle]

Update on Maluach:

- He’s not leaving the United States for the foreseeable future because he won’t be allowed back in
- Raptors cannot and will not draft him unless things change
-He likely won’t even be able to play against them in Canada until he earns a green card or the current restrictions are relaxed.

Those who weren’t fans of his will have some relief, others will be crushed.

Currently, Rubio’s decision affects South Sudanese people outside the U.S. seeking visas that would allow them to enter the country. Maluach’s current student status would remain valid unless the Trump administration were to issue a deportation order, which it has not done, according to Travis Murphy, who has worked as a U.S. diplomat and with the NBA in international governmental affairs.

“If they are in the country legally and visas have been canceled, then they cannot leave the country,” said Murphy, now the CEO of Jetr Global Sports and Entertainment. “They have to stay in status here in the United States and would not be able to leave because they would no longer have a valid visa to get back into the country.”

Murphy said that if Maluach were to leave Duke and get drafted by an NBA team, he could get different documents that would allow him to compete in the U.S. as an athlete, but he would still be unable to leave and reenter the country unless the Trump administration were to issue some sort of waiver.

“His best option at this point is to stay in the United States, in valid visa status,” Murphy said.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6262740/2025/04/07/khaman-maluach-duke-south-sudan-trump-rubio-visa/

This is the NBA, billion dollar organization. That's not going to impact us from drafting him, that would be worked out with a few phone calls

The people in this thread that think the visa thing is going to impact Maluach aren't living in reality. They sip up whatever crazy narrative is being pushed by the media. It's all hyperbole.

As you said, Maluach is going to be a top 10 pick multi-millionaire immediately. They will obviously waive this for him. They are worried about South Sudanese students that let their visas lapse, and they can't deport them back because the Sudanese government isn't accepting deportations.

Heck it cost $5m for a gold card citizenship. Get the NBA owner to pay. Easy

[Indeed]

Update on Maluach:

- He’s not leaving the United States for the foreseeable future because he won’t be allowed back in
- Raptors cannot and will not draft him unless things change
-He likely won’t even be able to play against them in Canada until he earns a green card or the current restrictions are relaxed.

Those who weren’t fans of his will have some relief, others will be crushed.




https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6262740/2025/04/07/khaman-maluach-duke-south-sudan-trump-rubio-visa/

This is the NBA, billion dollar organization. That's not going to impact us from drafting him, that would be worked out with a few phone calls

The people in this thread that think the visa thing is going to impact Maluach aren't living in reality. They sip up whatever crazy narrative is being pushed by the media. It's all hyperbole.

As you said, Maluach is going to be a top 10 pick multi-millionaire immediately. They will obviously waive this for him. They are worried about South Sudanese students that let their visas lapse, and they can't deport them back because the Sudanese government isn't accepting deportations.

Heck it cost $5m for a gold card citizenship. Get the NBA owner to pay. Easy

Money aside, people failed to understand the purpose of visa and immigration. It is meant to get talent from other countries to make themselves better.

[bballsparkin]

Just seems like a player that will command max money but not really be worth it because he's slightly below average on defense. Think of the PF version of RJ Barrett.

[Thaddy]

I think if you hate Maulauch's feel than if you gamble on anyone to be a star, I think Noa Essengue should be a in consideration at 7 as he is getting stronger over the past few games. He has this whole Tashaun Prince vibe to him.

Noa Essengue is 6'11 has a 9'3.25'' standing reach better than Alex Sarr and Yves Missi.
62 TS%
He is usually the faster player running end to end.
.80 FTR
Willing passer - neutral ast-to ; mostly in a finisher role.
Youngest player in the class (I think)

Last five games:
51/44/64
12 PPG
5.8 TRB
1.6 AST
1.2 STL
0.6 BLK

How strong is the league he's in?

He looks like Salaun and Salaun has looked really bad. I don't see the handle, burst, or explosive athleticism. The key to being a core player in the NBA and superstar is burst.

The only player that has that to his game and a potential plus wingspan is Fears. He's a risk in his own right too.

[bballsparkin]

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/2025-nba-draft-big-board-v6

Queen at 5
Maluach at 9
CMB at 10
Fears at 11

not sure if this was posted

I would be happy to get Karaban with the Portland pick. I feel like he will be a steal later in the draft.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/2025-nba-draft-big-board-v6

Queen at 5
Maluach at 9
CMB at 10
Fears at 11

not sure if this was posted

I would be happy to get Karaban with the Portland pick. I feel like he will be a steal later in the draft.

Karaban has a lot of issues that make him a likely v. weak nba guy. I'm still rolling w take that Scheierman way better player.

[bballsparkin]

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/2025-nba-draft-big-board-v6

Queen at 5
Maluach at 9
CMB at 10
Fears at 11

not sure if this was posted

I would be happy to get Karaban with the Portland pick. I feel like he will be a steal later in the draft.

Karaban has a lot of issues that make him a likely v. weak nba guy. I'm still rolling w take that Scheierman way better player.

\

Not sure I understand. Celtics guy? I was thinking he'd do good especially once the Celtics drafted him. I see Karaban's eFG% is lower than I expected. He reminds me of Big Shot Bob Horry. But maybe that's because I only watched him in the tournament games.