OKC Thunder: Theo Maledon shows growth in week two of the season

The OKC Thunder are seeing growth in their 34th pick of the 2020 NBA draft, Theo Maledon in just the second week of his career.

The OKC Thunder pride themselves on player development. It has been the hallmark of the franchise for the entirety of their tenure in Oklahoma City. The latest guard to experience this development as a rookie is Theo Maledon.

In his first week, Maledon showed a lot of poise while also trying to find his feet in the Thunder’s rotation. This is a tricky combination but one that Maledon was able to achieve. This is thanks in part to his game and also thanks to the mentorship of ex-NBA legend Tony Parker prior to his NBA career commencing.

Last week Maledon averaged 5.8 points, 2.3 assists, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 21.5 minutes per game. These numbers are solid for a 19-year-old, second-round pick in their first week of action in a new country, not to mention a new league. He shot the ball at 36.4 percent from the floor, 26.7 percent from deep, and 50.0 percent from the line.

OKC Thunder rookie Theo Maledon is already showing greater maturity.

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In his second week, Maledon has led the second unit with greater maturity. His numbers show that he is choosing his spots better and understanding what his teammates need. His raw stats were 7.3 points, 3.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.5 steals in just 19.5 minutes per game. He shot the ball at 42.3 percent from the floor, 33.3 percent from deep, and 66.7 percent from the line.

He was able to increase his efficiency in most statistical categories playing two minutes less per game. However, it is not just an increase in numbers or efficiency, it is the surety in which he is taking the ball to where it needs to be.

During the game against the New York Knicks, the Thunder needed a bucket. Maledon drove to the top of the key and took the jumper where he felt comfortable. He is also not looking for the best looking assist, he is now just finding the best shot available.

What shows this the most is the plus/minus difference between the two weeks. In his first week, Maledon was minus 49 in his four games. This included the 33 point blowout loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. In his second week, Maledon had a plus-four impact on the Thunder. This included the 28 point blowout loss against the Miami Heat.

The future is looking brighter every week that Maledon takes the court.