When Khaman Maluach walked onto the stage at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025, he didn’t just hear his name called—he carried the hopes of a continent. At 18, the 7'2" center from South Sudan became the highest-drafted player ever from the NBA Academy Africa, selected 10th overall by the Houston Rockets. But the real story didn’t end there. Just 11 days later, in a seismic seven-team trade centered around Kevin Durant, Maluach was shipped to the Phoenix Suns, joining a roster already reshaped by the arrival of Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. This wasn’t just a draft night surprise—it was a seismic shift in how the NBA views African talent.
A Journey Built on Dust and Dreams
Maluach’s path to the NBA reads like a screenplay. Born in war-torn South Sudan, he moved to Uganda as a child, playing pickup games on cracked concrete courts near Bwebajja. He attended Bethel Covenant College, where coaches noticed his absurd wingspan—7'5"—and raw athleticism. From there, he earned a spot at the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, a training ground that’s produced only a handful of draft picks before him. But Maluach didn’t just train—he dominated. He joined the Basketball Africa League’s Elevate Program, where he earned All-Tournament First Team honors in 2024, outplaying seasoned professionals half his age. "He didn’t just adapt," said Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst for Babcock Hoops. "He redefined what a big man from Africa could be on the global stage."
Duke, Dominance, and the Numbers That Shocked Scouts
At Duke University during the 2024-2025 season, Maluach played 39 games—not as a star, but as a silent force. He averaged 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds, but the numbers that stunned scouts were the efficiency metrics: 71.2% field goal shooting, 72.3% effective field goal percentage, and 80 dunks in a single season. He finished 77.6% of his shots at the rim—better than most NBA centers. He wasn’t a volume scorer, but he was a finisher with the touch of a guard and the timing of a veteran. "He’s not trying to be Giannis," said Alex Sarr of Floor and Ceiling Substack. "He’s trying to be the most efficient rim protector in the league. And he’s already there."
The Trade That Changed Everything
The seven-team deal on July 6, 2025, was one of the most complex in recent NBA history. The Phoenix Suns, led by General Manager James Jones, traded away draft picks, future assets, and veteran pieces to land Maluach alongside Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. But the real strategic win? Acquiring veteran center Mark Williams on the same night. Now, Maluach has a mentor who knows exactly what it takes to survive in the NBA as a towering big man. "Mark’s been where he is," said a Suns insider. "He’s not just teaching him footwork—he’s teaching him patience."
A Symbol Beyond the Court
Maluach wore jersey number 9 at Duke to honor Luol Deng, the South Sudanese legend who paved the way for African players in the NBA. And when he faced Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics, he locked eyes with Devin Booker—now his teammate—and whispered to himself, "Thank you for being delusional in your dreams. So, stay true to yourself. Never change it." That quote, from his post-draft interview with Andscape, became an instant rallying cry across Africa. He didn’t just make history—he became its symbol.
What Comes Next for African Basketball?
Maluach’s rise isn’t an outlier. It’s a blueprint. The NBA Academy Africa now has 120 players in its pipeline, with 17 from countries without prior NBA draft picks. The Basketball Africa League is expanding to 12 teams in 2026, with NBA teams investing directly in local franchises. "Three to five years from now, there will be a lot of Africans getting drafted," Maluach told Andscape. He’s not just predicting it—he’s guaranteeing it. The NBA’s global talent pipeline has shifted. And the center of gravity? It’s no longer just in the U.S. or Europe. It’s in Dakar, Kampala, Juba, and now, Phoenix.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Khaman Maluach’s draft position compare to other African players?
Maluach is the highest-drafted player ever from both the NBA Academy Africa and the Basketball Africa League. Before him, the record was held by Victor Oladipo (15th in 2013), who trained in the U.S. The only African-born player drafted higher was Joel Embiid (3rd in 2014), but he played college ball in the U.S. after arriving as a teenager. Maluach’s path—from rural South Sudan to Saly, then Duke—is unprecedented.
Why did the Phoenix Suns trade for him instead of keeping their original pick?
The Suns were targeting elite rim protection and versatility after losing Deandre Ayton. Maluach’s 72.3% eFG and elite rim defense fit perfectly with Devin Booker’s playmaking and Mark Williams’ experience. Their original pick (14th) was traded to acquire the 10th pick and additional assets in the Durant deal. It was a calculated move to leapfrog competitors and land a player they graded as a top-5 talent.
What’s Maluach’s offensive potential beyond finishing?
While he shot only 28.9% from three (22-of-76), scouts note his shooting motion is clean and improving. His free throw percentage (74.3%) suggests he has the mechanics to develop a reliable mid-range game. Analysts believe he could become a 40% three-point shooter by his third season—similar to Rudy Gobert’s evolution. His real value, though, lies in his ability to space the floor by drawing double-teams and hitting cutters.
How does Maluach’s development compare to other international big men?
Unlike Joel Embiid or Giannis Antetokounmpo, who were raw but physically dominant at 18, Maluach entered Duke with advanced defensive instincts and a refined finisher’s touch. His efficiency numbers rival those of Anthony Davis at Kentucky. His growth curve is more like Brook Lopez—slow, methodical, and built on fundamentals. He doesn’t need to be a star to be transformative.
What impact could Maluach have on youth basketball in Africa?
His success has already sparked a 300% surge in applications to NBA Academy Africa for the 2026 class. Coaches in Nigeria, Angola, and Senegal are now modeling programs after Saly. The African Union has pledged $5 million to build five new regional academies. Maluach isn’t just a player—he’s become the face of a movement. "He didn’t just make it," said a coach in Khartoum. "He showed us we can build it."
Is Maluach ready to start for the Suns in 2025-2026?
He won’t be the starter on opening night—Mark Williams holds that role. But Maluach will play 18-22 minutes per game as a rotational center, especially in high-paced matchups where his mobility matters. Coaches plan to use him as a lob threat, defensive anchor, and pick-and-roll finisher. By midseason, if his conditioning holds, he could be the team’s primary rim protector. His NBA debut is expected in October, likely against the Lakers.