OKC Thunder: Theo Maledon heads to Heat at 20th overall in 2020 re-draft

Despite their sub-.500 record, this 2020-21 OKC Thunder squad has been fun to watch for fans of the franchise and, frankly, the sport as a whole.

Through 23 games played, Oklahoma City boasts a losing record of 10-13, but, keep in mind, are just two wins behind the eighth-seeded Denver Nuggets and have managed to stay competitive virtually every night.

Even with one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, this team has played like they’ve been here for years. In large, this has been due to the stellar play of franchise cornerstone, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who recently garnered the ninth most All-Star votes for a backcourt player in the Western Conference.

Aside from SGA, another big contributor to the success found this season has been perhaps the biggest surprise to have come out of the 2020 NBA Draft in 19-year-old point guard, Theo Maledon.

After being selected in the second round at 34th overall, Maledon quickly worked his way into the Thunder’s main rotation, logging upwards of 20 minutes off the bench on opening night, where he posted four points, two assists, and two steals on 40 percent shooting from the field.

Since then, he has become more of a staple in the lineup and, with the injury to George Hill, now finds himself serving in a starting gig, where he is averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and a whopping 50 percent shooting from deep.

For any rookie, his performance would be impressive, but considering he was a second-round pick, it makes it that much more notable.

B/R believes OKC Thunder rookie Theo Maledon would be re-drafted top-20

If there ever were a chance for a re-draft, it’s hard to believe the point guard would once again be available by the time of the 34th overall pick, let alone by the second round.

Bleacher Report seems to agree with this narrative and, in their own 2020 NBA Re-Draft, they have the French-born baller being taken 20th overall by the Miami Heat.

Citing his play and potential long-term prospects, writer Jonathan Wasserman believes Maledon would have the potential to be a future replacement for their veteran guard, Goran Dragic:

"Maledon has given the Thunder some offensive versatility with his pick-and-roll play and shooting from both backcourt spots. With Achiuwa taken, Miami could now develop the French combo guard to eventually replace Goran Dragic."

It’s not every day that you see a second-round selection be viewed as producing at a top-20 rate from their rookie class.

All things considered, the OKC Thunder seemingly got a steal back in November and, in turn, could have a long-term starter on their hands.