The Phoenix Suns had a chance to let history repeat itself, but Brian Gregory and Mat Ishbia took the best player available with the No. 10 pick in the NBA Draft.
Maluach’s story is different than the typical American prospect, and his tears on stage were a window into who the Suns’ future center is.
"Living in Africa, I had the whole continent on my back. Giving hope to young kids."
South Sudan native Khaman Maluach was in tears as he was drafted 10th overall pic.twitter.com/osskwuHYHf— ESPN (@espn) June 26, 2025Maluach was born September 14, 2006, in Rumbek, South Sudan, but was very young when his family fled to Kawempe, Uganda early in his life.