Background:

Growing up in South Sudan, Maluach made his name via the NBA Academy Africa, before he committed to Duke. There, being arguably Duke’s 2nd option behind Cooper Flagg, he helped lead Duke to the Final 4.

Pros:

Offers great potential as a rim protector

Mobile

Great lob threat

Elite finisher

Good dunker

Can use height to score well

Cons:

Terrible shot creator

Has potential, but still a raw 3 point shooter

Can be inconsistent at times

Can be undisciplined at times

Summary:

Maluach is unlikely to contribute much offensive besides lobs and dunks, but he has the potential to be solid defensively. At his ceiling, he’s an all-star caliber player and perennial all-defense guy and DPOY candidate. At his floor, he’s likely a solid rim protector and lob threat off the bench.

NBA Comp: Rudy Gobert

Best Fits: Raptors, Hawks, Bulls