The Atlanta Hawks could have something big up their sleeves, and it could end up with them landing former Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach. The 7-foot-1 Maluach is considered the top center and a top-six prospect in the class, according to The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer.
That begs the question of how the Hawks, who own picks Nos. 13 and 22, plan to secure his services.
The fluidity of Maluach’s projections could have the Hawks in play with a trade.
“The top-rated [center] prospect, Maluach, has visited with the Pelicans, Wizards and Hawks, sources say. The Duke product is also expected to meet with the Jazz before next Wednesday's Round 1,” Fischer wrote on June 17.
“Does that mean Maluach can go as high as No. 5? The mere question has only added to the skepticism that he will make it to the Raptors at No. 9.”
Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in 2024-25.
“Maluach is a towering rim protector with switchable mobility, erasing shots at the rim and shadowing quick guards on the perimeter,” Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor wrote on June 12. “But beyond dunking lobs, he’s a work in progress on offense with a lack of seasoning as a screener, shooter, and creator. Such a raw skill-set should come as no surprise since the South Sudan native didn’t start playing basketball until he was 13.”
Hawks' defensive weakness looms large
Notably, the Hawks ranked 13th in opponent field goal percentage within five feet of the basket during the regular season. The Hawks also tied for 16th in opponents’ FG% in the restricted area last year.
For as potent as their offense could be, it is difficult to develop a rhythm and impossible to get out into transition without getting stops.
Deterring opponents at the rim or in the paint is a great place to start.
Moreover, the Hawks would not be doing that. They already have switchable wings in Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher. Current starting center Onyeka Okongwu also offers some versatility in that regard, albeit without the threat level as a rim protector.
If the Hawks plan on keeping Trae Young at point guard, and they should, then solidifying the paint and minimizing the ways opposing offenses can attack is key for the Hawks.
Maluach may be a pipe dream, given that he could be a top-five pick.
The cost of doing such a deal could be prohibitive, and the Hawks can still address their need for rim protection in other ways. They can also bank on further development from 2023 second-round pick Mouhamed Gueye after he showed well down the stretch last season.