The 2025 NBA Draft is right around the corner. And one of the biggest debates leading up to the draft has been between Duke’s Khaman Maluach and Maryland’s Derik Queen. The two big men have been all over the headlines and scouting chatter.
The debate, however, isn’t around if they will get drafted; it is about who goes first. And more importantly, why is one going before the other?
One college basketball analyst has decided to break down exactly what separates these two prospects. Ignore the clutter; Leif Thulin is here to explain why the margins matter.
Analyst Breaks Down the Unteachable Traits in Khaman Maluach vs. Derik Queen Draft Debate
There’s a reason Maluach’s name keeps creeping higher on NBA mock drafts. And according to Thulin, it is all because of the one thing that cannot be taught.
“He’s the longest player in the draft,” Thulin said. “His standing reach, if he entered the NBA, would be tied for second only behind Rudy Gobert and Mark Williams.”
Currently, ESPN sees Maluach’s name being called at No. 8 to the Brooklyn Nets. At 7’1″ with a 9’6” standing reach and a nearly 7’7” wingspan, Maluach already looks like an NBA center. But it is not just about size, but about how he uses it.
Thulin points to tape from Duke’s clash with Alabama, where Maluach was able to step up in ball screens without getting exposed. Against an elite guard like Mark Sears, Maluach thrived.
“He would impact the drive of a small guard without sacrificing a mid-range jumper,” Thulin said.
But he’s not just a glorified shot blocker. Thulin points to his offensive upside, especially as a pick-and-roll finisher. Maluach ranks 99th percentile. While most of those finishes are dunks, there is no debate that it takes strong hands, coordination, and the ability to adjust midair to even get there.
Thulin credits his ability to “catch lobs and finish with either hand” as evidence that he’s more than just a dunker. To add on, Maluach also has a 76% from the free-throw mark.
“He’s still a ball of clay to mold… but more productive and better than many people give him credit for at this stage,” added Thulin.
Meanwhile, Queen is projected at No. 12 to the Chicago Bulls as per the ESPN mock draft. Queen is offensively polished, seasoned with footwork, and has an average of 15.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and two assists per game. Queen even delivered when the game slowed down during Maryland’s Sweet 16 run.
Thulin doesn’t doubt Queen’s ceiling. In fact, he personally ranks Queen one spot higher than Maluach on his own board.
“I have Queen one spot ahead of Maluach on my board because I believe in Queen’s offensive upside; he could be a near All-Star caliber player if perfectly situated,” added Thulin.
KEEP READING: College Basketball Analysts Question Depth of 2025 NBA Draft Class, Readiness of Players for Next Level
The catch is the phrase “perfectly situated.”
Queen’s defensive limitations, conditioning issues, and a 28.6% from deep make him harder to plug into most lineups. It’s more “can contain wings in space” than “anchor a playoff defense.” That’s perhaps why the ESPN mock draft shows him falling to No. 12.
“With Queen, you have to build around his offensive skills. That means there are fewer landing spots,” Thulin said.
While Queen in the halfcourt is great, Maluach projects as a plug-and-play defensive foundation. So, come draft night, don’t be surprised if Maluach hears his name first. The NBA loves upside.
“I actually think he’s more productive and better than many people give him credit for at this stage,” Thulin said.
This is not a battle of who is better, simply of who fits better.
