With the NBA Draft just days away, a former Longhorn has been busy meeting with teams. Big man Arthur Kaluma is testing the predraft process for the third time with no intentions of turning back. Now out of college eligibility, he hopes to impress teams during draft workouts.
One of the teams that has shown interest in Kaluma is the Portland Trail Blazers. After a workout with Portland on June 10th, Kaluma asked what he was trying to show during the draft process this time. He said his focus is on fundamentals and showing that he can knock down shots.
“Just my fundamentals, my tools,” Kaluma said. “(I have a) 7’1 wingspan, I’m 6’8. I can move my feet on the ball, defend one through five, and then I can knock down open shots and make good reads.”
Scorching shooting from Texas’ Arthur Kaluma in the G League Elite Camp star shooting drill. 21/25 (84%) for the 6’7 forward with a 7’1 wingspan. pic.twitter.com/3nbJhvG4Ek
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 11, 2025
Although Kaluma still has areas to improve, he entered the draft process with four years of experience. During his college career, he never averaged less than 10 points and five rebounds in a season. He also steadily improved from three-point range and showed that he could make adjustments. His desire to improve will appeal to NBA teams as they look for players who can thrive at the next level.
During the 2024-2025 campaign, the Arizona native was one of the Longhorns bright spots. The talented forward averaged 12.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists a game. While proving to be one of the Longhorns’ most reliable players, Kaluma recorded eight double-doubles. He was the team’s second-best player behind Tre Johnson, who is expected to be a top-ten pick.
At the moment, Kaluma is projected to be a late second-round pick or an undrafted free agent. Even if he is not drafted, the former Longhorn should be able to compete at the NBA Summer League. Regardless of how the draft plays out, it is a good sign for Kaluma that teams are bringing him in for workouts.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Former Longhorn drawing NFA Draft interest from Portland Trail Blazers