Can Duke's South Sudan-Born Center Boost the Brooklyn Nets?

The Brooklyn Nets have a big decision to make with this years eighth overall pick.

Apr 4, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) during a practice session for the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Duke Blue Devils big man Khaman Maluach has become a premier player during the NBA Draft process leading up to this year’s draft on June 25. 

Maluach has been all over NBA Mock Drafts being listed to several different teams, but a great fit for the South Sudan-born player is at No. 8 to the Brooklyn Nets.  

Maluach, who was a literal last-minute entry to the NBA Draft pool, has been a big time riser and praised heavily for his defensive capabilities.

African talent spotted at the NBA Draft Combine 🌍

Khaman Maluach 🇸🇸#NBAAfrica #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/AZgH8vE9oO

— NBA Africa (@NBA_Africa) May 14, 2025

Clutch Points’ Mock Draft 1.0 has the Brooklyn Nets selecting the Duke center 8th overall, believing he can be a solid replacement for a potentially departing Nic Claxton. 

Claxton was a heavy trade target for several teams during this past season’s trade deadline, yet no triggers were pulled before the deadline expired. 

The DX database says Khaman Maluach's measurements are similar to Rudy Gobert's with his incredible size, length and reach. 15 pounds heavier at a much younger age, and should continue to fill out impressively over time. pic.twitter.com/mdgBdFk65p

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 13, 2025

Maluach measures at an impressive 7-foot-2, along with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, and aside from his defensive prowess, he can bang it out down low or pop out for an occasional three-pointer as well. 

While his agility and athleticism certainly need work, at age 18, it is safe to assume his best basketball is certainly ahead of him. 

At the NBA Combine, he knocked down an impressive 12 out of his 25 threes during both the stationary and catch-and-shoot portions of the three-point drills, tallying 24 out of his 50 shots between the two drills. 

Khaman Maluach knocks down 12/25 threes (48%) in this conditioning shooting drill.

He also went 12/25 on stationary catch-and-shoot threes. pic.twitter.com/XwU0EHgYTT

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) May 13, 2025

With the NBA Draft on the horizon, the Brooklyn Nets front office certainly has its work cut out for them when it comes to the selection of the No. 8 pick and with Khaman Maluach continuing to shine throughout this draft process, do not be surprised to hear his name called as a potential replacement for Nic Claxton on June 25th.

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