In fifteen days, Theo Maledon will therefore have known three franchises, and after having started the camp with the Thunder, then played with the Rockets in preseason, he has just signed up with the Hornets. It’s just a “two-way contract”, but it helps to keep a foothold in the NBA.
“I’ve been through a lot, but I’m very happy to have the opportunity to be here, to settle down and get to work, that’s for sure”, said the Frenchman after his first training. ” I’ve played against most of these players over the past two years, so I know a bit about their strengths. It seems to be a great working environment. The players are committed to hard work and bringing good energy, so it’s really exciting to be here. »
Theo Maledon arrives almost at the right time to grab playing time since LaMelo Ball is in the infirmary, and he wants to prove that he can play point guard, or in support of a point guard. The silver medalist at the last Euro wants to become a “combo guard”, able to play in both positions at the back.
The desire to become a more complete full-back
“My ability to play with and without the ball”replies Theo Maledon, when asked about what he can bring to the Hornets. “It’s something I worked on this summer to be comfortable in both positions. I think defense is always indispensable and essential, especially in this league. I am able to take advantage of pick-and-roll, make 3-pointers and provide leadership as a point guard. I’m just trying to fit in and give it my all. »
He does not want the Thunder. Management is constantly recruiting young people, and after only two years in the NBA, Theo Maledon was no longer part of their plans. “In the end, they made a choice… A lot of players came from the last Draft, and they had to make choices. I think for me to be able to be here and have a fresh start is the most important thing and what I’m really focused on. In the end, my job is to behave like a professional and give the best of myself. When it doesn’t work somewhere, you have to keep working until it works somewhere else. With any luck, it will be here. »
| Theo Maledon | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2020-21 | OKAY | 65 | 27 | 36.8 | 33.5 | 74.8 | 0.4 | 2.9 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 2.2 | 0.2 | 10.1 |
| 2021-22 | OKAY | 51 | 18 | 37.5 | 29.3 | 79.0 | 0.4 | 2.2 | 2.6 | 2.2 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 7.1 |
| Total | 116 | 23 | 37.1 | 32.2 | 76.6 | 0.4 | 2.6 | 3.0 | 2.9 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 0.2 | 8.8 | |
