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Khaman Maluach Sends Message to Cooper Flagg’s Potential NBA Teammate

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated May 26, 2025 6:17 AM ET

The basketball world was stunned just days ago when the Dallas Mavericks won the No. 1 pick during the NBA draft lottery, which means they will be able to take Duke phenom Cooper Flagg in the actual draft next month.

After they foolishly traded away generational superstar Luka Doncic in early February and failed to make the playoffs amidst a rash of injuries, it looks like they have somehow landed on their feet.

Fans are already imagining the possibilities that would come with Flagg teaming up with superstar big man Anthony Davis and star guard Kyrie Irving (once Irving returns from a torn ACL).

In addition, the Mavs have big men Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, and Flagg should give them one of basketball's most feared frontcourts.

Khaman Maluach, a freshman who played with Flagg at Duke this past season, sent a message to Lively, who himself played for the Blue Devils, on social media.

Lively played one season at Duke and was then taken by the Mavs with the No. 12 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. In two pro seasons, he has averaged 8.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 23.4 minutes a game, and he has become an imposing presence down low.

Maluach, like Flagg, is also entering this year's draft. At 7-foot-2, he's an outstanding finisher at the rim and a good rebounder and shot-blocker who runs the floor well, although his overall game is still somewhat rudimentary.

The 18-year-old is expected to go pretty high in the draft next month. A recent ESPN mock draft had him being taken with the No. 7 pick by the New Orleans Pelicans.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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