Texas’ Tre Johnson and Duke’s Khaman Maluach (image credit: IMAGN)
NBA draft consultant Rafael Barlowe offered insight into who the Philadelphia 76ers could select at No. 3 this year. Freshman phenoms Khaman Maluach from Duke and Tre Johnson from Texas are both possible third selections.
“Another name that's quietly gaining traction as a potential option for Philadelphia is Duke freshman Khaman Maluach,' Barlowe said on Monday, via NBA Big Board. "Another player in the mix? Texas guard Tre Johnson. Johnson, listed at 6-foot-6, led the SEC in scoring at 19.9 points per game while shooting 39% from three.”
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Basketball fans reacted to Barlowe's insight. Many discussed what drafting Maluach would mean for 76ers star Joel Embiid.
"(They're) going to ruin Maluach like they did Embiid," a fan tweeted.
An X user says Philadelphia would ruin Khaman Maluach (image credit: x/nbacentral)
"Embiid is gone lol," one fan wrote.
A fan says Joel Embiid is gone from the 76ers (image credit: x/nbacentral)
"Maluach would be an insane reach at 3. They must not feel confident about Embiid's long term health if that's the case," another fan wrote.
A reply argues that Philadelphia drafting Maluach would mean Embiid isn’t a long-term solution (image credit: x/nbacentral)
"Maluach would be the best pick up. Embiid's not gonna be in the league much longer," a fan commented.
A fan says Maluach would be a better pickup than Johnson (image credit: x/nbacentral)
Others hyped Johnson and argued that he would be the better selection for Philadelphia.
"Tre Johnson top 3 talks," one fan said.
A fan expresses excitement about Tre Johnson (image credit: x/nbacentral)
"bro what Tre Johnson is WAY better," another fan wrote.
An X user says Johnson is better than Maluach (image credit: x/nbacentral)
"Johnson yea KM not that early," one fan tweeted.
A reply says Johnson could be selected No. 3 but not Maluach (image credit: x/nbacentral)
"Tre Johnson the best player in the class btw no bias," another fan tweeted.
An X user says Johnson is the best player in his draft class (image credit: x/nbacentral)
What Khaman Maluach and Tre Johnson bring to the NBA draft
Khaman Maluach and Tre Johnson both entered the 2025 NBA draft after strong freshman campaigns. They are both projected to be first-round picks.
Maluach joined Duke as the No. 4 prospect in the 2024 class and the No. 1 center, according to 247Sports. In his only season with the Blue Devils, he recorded team second-bests in rebounds (6.6 rpg) and steals (1.3 spg). He added 8.6 ppg and shot 71.2%.
The big man has good size, defensive depth and has promising potential at the NBA level.
NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Semifinal-Houston at Duke - Source: Imagn
Meanwhile, Johnson was the No. 6 player in the 2024 class and was a standout for Texas last season. His 19.9 ppg led the Longhorns, and he added team second-bests in assists (2.7 apg) and steals (0.9 spg). The guard shot 42.7%, including 39.7% from beyond the arc. Johnson is a strong shot creator with excellent athleticism.
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About the author
Lindsey Ware
Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.
Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.
Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.
Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.
When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.
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