The Suns Signed a Former Thunder Second Round Pick.
NEW DEAL DONE :The Suns Signed a Former Thunder Second Round Pick….
The Suns selected the former point guard of Oklahoma City on Sunday afternoon.
LOVELACE ROSSETA: 14 HOURS
In this narrative:
Oklahoma City Thunder
TEAM OKLAHOMA CITY
Prospects from across Oklahoma City’s history are finding new residences as the city’s reconstruction comes full circle. Theo Maledon, a former second-round selection who was selected by the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon, fits that description.
In his fourth NBA season, the 6-foot-4 floor general has averaged over eight points and three assists across his career. This Thursday, the Charlotte Hornets waived him. Maldeon played two seasons in Oklahoma City after the Thunder selected him first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.
He played a significant amount of minutes for a young team and had a solid first season with the Thunder, averaging 10.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. But in his sophomore season, he suffered a decline in all of his metrics and made no progress at all. Maledon’s role dwindled as the Thunder improved and gained real prospects.
Before the 2022 season, he was waived and later dealt to the Rockets. The Hornets signed Maledon after that, and he played for them for the next two seasons. While the Thunder were rebuilding, he played 116 games in his career with them. He then played 57 games with the Hornets.
Strangely, Maledon had maybe his greatest game of the season and scored the most points of his career against the Suns. On 10-of-18, including five threes, he scored 33 points, pulled down five rebounds, and disheveled three assists on April 2, 2021, but the Thunder fell short against Phoenix.
Although he has always shown potential, he has not been consistent throughout time. He has had a good number of pivotal moments, yet he never seems to score effectively or stay in one spot.
But the Suns have a solid group of genuine shooters in their supporting cast; they just need depth. Phoenix is the kind of location he would succeed if he could succeed anywhere.
Would you like to participate in the conversation? For the most recent Thunder news, follow us on Twitter and like Inside the Thunder on Facebook. Meet the group that produces the coverage as well.
