Cooper Flagg’s Former Duke Teammate Targeted by Spurs Before NBA Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The San Antonio Spurs appear to be exploring a bold frontcourt vision ahead of the NBA Draft — and it might involve pairing Victor Wembanyama with a fellow 7-footer who shared the court with Cooper Flagg.
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According to Spurs beat writer Jeff Garcia, San Antonio has been linked to Duke center Khaman Maluach. A 7-foot-2 shot-blocking presence with intriguing upside, Maluach played alongside Cooper Flagg at Duke, forming one of college basketball’s most hyped frontcourt tandems.
Now, the Spurs could be aiming to recreate that formula in the NBA.
As Garcia notes, the Spurs hold the No. 4 and No. 14 picks in the draft. While Maluach isn’t currently projected to go in the top five, he’s been a fast riser and is widely expected to land somewhere in the middle of the first round.
San Antonio could attempt to use the 14th pick — or potentially trade up from that spot — to take a swing on Maluach’s raw tools and long-term fit beside Wembanyama.
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The two would immediately become the NBA’s tallest frontcourt, evoking memories of the “Twin Towers” era with former Spurs Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
Khaman Maluach. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
Of course, Cooper Flagg remains the more headline-grabbing name coming out of Duke, a sure-bet to land with the Dallas Mavericks. But the Spurs’ reported interest in Maluach could suggest a deeper strategy — building with size, length and familiarity at the core.
Whether San Antonio makes a move for Flagg’s former teammate or opts for a different direction, the speculation around Maluach only adds more intrigue to what’s already a pivotal offseason for the franchise.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.