Phoenix Suns Make Bold Move, Select Duke Blue Devils 7-Foot-2 Center Khaman Maluach With No. 10 Pick In 2025 NBA Draft
The Phoenix Suns have taken a significant step toward reshaping their roster by selecting Duke Blue Devils standout Khaman Maluach with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With a glaring need for size, interior defense, and long-term upside, the Suns turned to one of college basketball’s most intriguing big men in Maluach, a 7-foot-2 center with tremendous physical tools and the potential to anchor their frontcourt for years to come.
For a franchise that has relied heavily on perimeter firepower and star-laden offense, the decision to draft Maluach signals a conscious shift toward building more balance across the roster. With stars like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal continuing to spearhead the offensive charge, Phoenix lacked a true rim protector and defensive anchor in the paint, especially after the Deandre Ayton era came to an end. Maluach could be the long-term solution to that problem.
Khaman Maluach, originally from South Sudan, became one of the most fascinating prospects in the 2025 draft class. His journey to Duke and now to the NBA is as remarkable as his physical profile. At just 18 years old, Maluach possesses rare length, agility, and defensive instincts, attributes that made him an instant standout at the college level. While raw in certain areas, particularly on the offensive end, scouts have consistently raved about his ceiling as a modern NBA center capable of switching onto smaller players, protecting the rim, and finishing lobs with authority.
At Duke, Maluach’s freshman season drew widespread attention, especially from NBA front offices looking for a game-changing presence at the five position. Despite sharing the spotlight with fellow Blue Devils stars Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, both of whom were top-4 picks in this year’s draft, Maluach carved out a vital role, providing shot-blocking, rebounding, and interior intimidation that elevated Duke’s defensive metrics to elite status.
During the 2024-25 college basketball season, Maluach averaged 9.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, all while playing limited minutes due to Duke’s deep rotation. His per-36-minute numbers painted an even more tantalizing picture of his potential, suggesting he could blossom into a dominant force with NBA development and experience. His impact extended far beyond the box score, as Duke routinely funneled opposing offenses toward the rim, only for Maluach to erase opportunities with his timing and wingspan.
The Suns’ front office, led by General Manager James Jones, clearly believes that Maluach is the type of defensive difference-maker the team has lacked in recent seasons. Phoenix ranked in the bottom half of the league in rebounding and defensive field goal percentage inside the paint last season, exposing their vulnerability against bigger, more physical playoff opponents. The hope is that Maluach’s addition will help fortify those weak points and provide much-needed depth behind veteran bigs already on the roster.
Maluach’s selection is not without its risks, however. While his defensive potential is undeniable, his offensive game remains a work in progress. At Duke, he showed flashes of soft touch around the rim, occasional mid-range jumpers, and competent free-throw shooting, but his low-post repertoire and shooting range are far from polished. His slight frame, despite standing 7-foot-2 with a reported 7-foot-8 wingspan, suggests that NBA strength and conditioning will be crucial to his development, especially when matched against more physically mature centers in the league.
That being said, the NBA has increasingly trended toward versatile big men who can defend in space, switch on pick-and-rolls, and act as lob threats rather than traditional back-to-the-basket centers. In that regard, Maluach’s skill set aligns well with the modern prototype. His mobility, defensive timing, and shot-blocking instincts make him an ideal candidate to develop into a Clint Capela or Jaren Jackson Jr.-type defender, with the added advantage of potentially expanding his offensive toolkit over time.
The Suns’ decision to use a top-10 pick on Maluach also speaks to their long-term vision. With Kevin Durant nearing the twilight of his career and the team facing financial constraints due to its star-heavy roster construction, Phoenix is banking on affordable, high-upside young talent to complement its veterans. If Maluach develops as projected, he could become a critical piece in bridging the current title window with the next era of Suns basketball.
Off the court, Maluach brings a compelling backstory that fans in Phoenix are likely to embrace. Born in South Sudan, he emerged from the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program, quickly establishing himself as one of Africa’s most promising young talents. His journey to Duke marked a major milestone, and now, being selected in the NBA Draft represents the latest chapter in an inspiring rise. His humility, work ethic, and global perspective are expected to make him a positive addition to the Suns’ locker room culture.
For Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer, integrating Maluach into the team’s system will be a priority during Summer League and training camp. The coaching staff will likely emphasize defensive fundamentals, positional awareness, and strength development to ensure the young center can contribute as a rookie, even in a limited role. Given Phoenix’s playoff aspirations, Maluach may not be thrust into heavy minutes immediately, but the opportunity to learn behind veterans and develop gradually could prove invaluable for his long-term trajectory.
The 2025 NBA Draft itself has been a historic one for Duke University, with three Blue Devils going inside the top 10, further cementing the program’s reputation as a pipeline for elite NBA talent. Maluach’s selection marks yet another success story for Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, whose ability to attract and develop high-level prospects continues to pay dividends on draft night.
Phoenix fans, meanwhile, have reason to be excited about the future. In a Western Conference crowded with superstar talent and formidable frontcourts, the Suns needed a long-term solution at center, and Khaman Maluach could be precisely that. While patience will be required as he adjusts to the rigors of the NBA, his combination of size, defensive instincts, and untapped potential makes him one of the most intriguing young players in this draft class.
Ultimately, drafting Maluach reflects a forward-thinking approach by the Suns, blending short-term competitiveness with long-term roster building. If he fulfills his promise, Phoenix could have secured a future defensive anchor and a foundational piece to support their championship ambitions.
As the NBA Summer League approaches, all eyes will be on Khaman Maluach as he takes his first steps in a Suns uniform. His development will be closely monitored, not just by the Suns’ faithful but by the entire basketball world eager to see if the towering Duke center can evolve into one of the league’s next great defensive forces. The journey has just begun for Maluach in Phoenix, but the potential reward for this bold draft night gamble could be immense.
