The South Sudan-born player started playing basketball at the age of 13, making the 18-year-old center still very raw offensively. However, Maluach can be considered one of the best rim protectors in this draft class which he showcased all year at Duke.

On the heels of acquiring Kevin Durant on Sunday, Houston is on the verge of signing Fred VanVleet to a two-year, $50 million deal, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Rockets are declining the 31-year-old’s $44.9 million option for next season ahead of the new deal, which comes with a player option for the 2026-27 season.