When Malachi Moreno first announced he would enter the NBA Draft process and participate in the Combine, most Kentucky fans believed the plan was straightforward — gather feedback and eventually return to Lexington for another season.
But things have become far more interesting over the last few weeks.
Reports started emerging that Moreno was receiving strong feedback from NBA teams selecting in the middle and late portions of the first round. After a reportedly impressive workout with the New York Knicks, many began wondering if the Kentucky big man might seriously consider staying in the draft after all.
The buzz surrounding Moreno isn’t about a lack of talent. The seven-footer has long been viewed as a player with major upside because of his size, mobility, and long-term potential. The issue is simply the strength of this year’s draft class.
This NBA Draft is loaded with experienced and productive frontcourt talent, making it difficult for a player like Moreno to firmly establish himself as a first-round lock. Compared to other highly regarded big men in the class, Moreno’s current production still leaves questions for some evaluators.
CBS Sports recently addressed the growing speculation and poured some cold water on the idea that Moreno is safely in the first-round conversation.
According to CBS, several scouts and NBA personnel remain skeptical that Moreno will actually crack the first round this year. While teams may genuinely like him, many reportedly see him as more likely to land in the second round if he stays in the draft.
CBS also noted that Moreno’s decision not to participate in five-on-five scrimmages at the Combine raised eyebrows among some scouts, especially with other respected big men choosing to compete. Some around the league reportedly viewed the decision as a calculated effort by his representation to carefully manage his draft image.
Despite the growing draft chatter, most league insiders still believe Moreno is expected to return to Kentucky.
One major reason is that his NIL situation is already believed to be settled.
Reports indicate Kentucky and JMI worked closely with Moreno’s representation earlier in the process to ensure a strong NIL package would already be in place if he decided to return to school. Because of that, there appears to be little reason for his camp to use NBA rumors simply as leverage for more money from Kentucky.
Instead, this process seems focused on determining where Moreno truly stands in the draft landscape.
If he can secure guaranteed first-round status, leaving for the NBA becomes much easier to justify. But if he projects closer to the second round, returning to Kentucky could offer both better financial security through NIL and a valuable opportunity to improve his stock in what is expected to be a weaker draft class next year.
For Kentucky, Moreno’s decision is massive.
Mark Pope’s roster would benefit tremendously from bringing back a talented seven-footer capable of taking a major developmental leap. If Moreno returns and elevates his game, Kentucky’s frontcourt could become one of the biggest strengths on the roster.
Right now, the expectation still leans toward Moreno being back in Lexington next season.
But unlike earlier in the spring, the possibility of him staying in the NBA Draft suddenly feels much more real.
