We’re less than a month away from the 2025 NBA Draft and the Philadelphia 76ers’ plan with the third overall pick is still a mystery. Fans have spent the last month arguing whether Philadelphia should draft Ace Bailey, V.J. Edgecombe, or trade down further into the lottery range. However, the latest report on the 76ers’ draft scouting has added more mystery to what will occur on June 25th.
NBA Draft specialist Rafael Barlowe revealed that Duke center Khaman Maluach and Texas guard Tre Johnson are reportedly in the mix of players that the 76ers could select with the third overall pick: “Another name that's quietly gaining traction as a potential option for Philadelphia is Duke freshman Khaman Maluach…Another player in the mix? Texas guard Tre Johnson. Johnson, listed at 6'6, led the SEC in scoring at 19.9 points per game while shooting 39% from three.”
Maluach is a defensive beast
In his lone season at Duke, Maluach, at 7’ 2, 250 pounds, established himself as one of the best rim protectors in the 2025 draft class. While Maluach recorded modest averages of 8.6 points per game on 73.6% true-shooting, 6.6 rebounds per game, and 1.3 blocks per game in 39 appearances, his impact went beyond the stat sheet. His length and athleticism combined with his size led him to becoming an elite help-side defender and shot-blocker. Maluach also displayed the ability to switch and move well laterally, which will be essential when guarding actions at the NBA level.
With Maluach as its defensive anchor, Duke ranked seventh in defensive rating amongst Division I programs – allowing just 94.3 points per 100 possessions. Like most incoming rookie centers, Maluach has a raw skill set and to maximize his potential, he’ll need to develop better foul discipline and evolve his offensive creation. For now, he projects to be a high-level big who can protect the rim and efficiently roll to the rim.
Johnson is a lethal shooter
Although Johnson didn’t achieve the same amount of success as Maluach and the Blue Devils did this season, he propelled himself into one of the most compelling guards heading into the draft. As previously mentioned, the 6’ 6, 190-pound guard led the SEC in scoring with 19.9 points per game on 55.7% true-shooting along with 3.1 rebounds per game and 2.7 assists per game. Johnson’s all-around game may be a little rough around the edges, but the upside is there.
The term “microwave scorer” is thrown around a lot, but it’s an accurate way to describe Johnson’s dynamic ability to score. He cemented himself as an elite perimeter shooter, whether he’s operating off the dribble or curling off pin-down screens. Johnson has also shown potential as a quality three-level scorer with sound ball-handling who never shies away when his team needs an offensive spark. However, his point-of-attack defense and playmaking will need to improve to reach the next level.
Maluach and Johnson are without a doubt amongst the top seven to eight prospects in the upcoming draft. However, neither of them is commonly projected to be selected as high as the third overall pick. If the 76ers are truly interested in either of these players, it would be best to trade down with a team like the New Orleans Pelicans or Utah Jazz and get a quality rotational player in the process.