The Spurs are reportedly considering trading back in the draft to select 7-foot-2 center Khaman Maluach and pair him with Victor Wembanyama.
As we approach the highly anticipated NBA Draft, there is still much uncertainty surrounding who will follow undisputed No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.
Points this season
San Antonio Spurs
NBA
The San Antonio Spurs hold the second pick and are widely expected to select Rutgers star guard Dylan Harper. However, according to NBA Draft analyst Krysten Peek of Hoops HQ, the Spurs could surprise everyone with their draft strategy.
Reportedly, San Antonio is seriously targeting Duke center Khaman Maluach, who is currently projected as a late lottery pick.
"Another buzzy name tied to the Spurs is Maluach, a 7-foot-2 center out of Duke," Peek revealed.
"The Spurs could essentially be building twin towers with Wembanyama and Maluach and there is an appeal to drafting another young big that can learn and grow alongside Wembanyama."
Peek noted that it’s unlikely the Spurs would take Maluach with the No. 2 pick, but they may consider trading down to acquire additional assets while still targeting the promising center.
"It would be very unlikely that the Spurs would shock everyone and take Maluach with the No. 2 pick but they could be looking to trade down or package the No. 14 pick for a shot at the talented center," she added.
Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks this season at Duke, helping lead the Blue Devils to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.
The South Sudanese center was also a part of his country’s historic first-ever Olympic appearance, set for this summer in Paris.
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