At just 19 years old, Theo Maledon is molding into one of many bright spots for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The 2020 second-round pick was acquired along with Al Horford in a draft-night trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. And now, the young Frenchman is playing alongside the veteran center in OKC’s starting lineup.
Not only that, he’s playing well.
Since becoming a starter in place of veteran George Hill, who had thumb surgery at the end of January, Maledon has quietly developed a different dynamic to his game.
Thunder head coach Mark Daignault pointed out Maledon’s versatility and ability to adapt with any four-man group following a win over Cleveland this week, a valuable quality considering Oklahoma City has started 12 different lineups through 30 games, including six with its rookie point guard.