Post#295 » by Sunsdeuce » Thu Jun 26, 2025 2:58 am
Projection: It’s really difficult to project who Maluach will become. His measurements and late entry into basketball leads me to believe that he still has lots of room to grow. But progression doesn’t ever work out like that.
Still, Maluach’s shown a great foundation and is on pace to become an All-Defensive calibre player (his defensive ceiling). There’s not much to go off of in regards to his offense, but he’s shown some touch around the rim to where he’ll be respectable in the paint with push shots. His three-point shot will never really be a part of his game despite his great free throw shooting numbers
Ceiling: All-Defensive calibre rim protector with the versatility to play most coverages. Offensive game progresses to the point where he has a respectable post bag and three-point shot on moderate volume
Floor: Third string big who can play spot minutes as a defense only, play finisher. Progression never accelerates to where some hoped it would be
Comparison: Deandre Jordan with Rudy Gobert measurements
Strengths
Has great measurables and able to take up lots of space in the paint
Not the most vertically gifted/explosive jumper, but more than makes up for it with his huge standing reach
The best lob threat in this class
Has a large catch radius and can finish lobs/dumpoffs for easy buckets
Knows how to set screens, makes contact and gives handler open lanes
Really impressed here, a lot of guys with a lot more experience aren’t as effective as he is
Rolls with intention, always a threat for the lob
Free throw shooting numbers are great, mechanics look smooth
Comfortable in most pick and roll coverages, functions best as the drop man
Decent technique backpedaling and guarding both ball handler and his own man
Knows when to stay to provide help in the paint
Really good at staying vertical and positioning himself to scare teams from even getting shots up
Shows nice discipline here
Not a guy who gets lots of blocks, but when he does, you can expect an emphatic swat
Weaknesses/Improvements
Offensive role is limited to play finishing, no post-up game or ability in short roll situations
Has shown some flashes in BAL where he hit a couple of fadeaways and scored on faceups
Shown touch around the rim on non-dunk attempts, untapped potential here
Nice mobility for size, but susceptible to blowbys switching onto quicker players.
Only started playing basketball 5 years ago, lack of reps evident:
Unable to make any passing reads apart from kickouts from offensive rebounds
Gets out positioned on defensive rebounds, doesn’t have the technique or lower body strength to box out smaller centres
Had some funny moments where he would be face-to-face, pushing opponent in the chest trying to box them out
Big reason for why his offensive rebounding numbers are so much better. Less technique focused, erratic rebounding angles paired with his length can catch centres off guard
Stays on ball handler too long on hard hedges, instead of recovering to man
Goes for bad block attempts sometimes, can bite on fakes from more crafty post players
As good as he is timing his jumps for lobs, not very efficient with movement
Takes tiny stutter steps, preparing himself to jump. Never jumps off of 1-foot
I am such a lucky NBA fan. 8647 My favorite team went from the most greedy and racist owner to the most ego driven dumbass owner in all of sports fdt.
Only a fan of Arizona teams!
Cardinals
Dbacks
Suns
