OKC Thunder: NBA recognizes Theo Maledon, Lu Dort on Rising Star rosters

Two OKC Thunder players were recognized by the NBA on Wednesday with a

n honor they can add to their curriculum vitae.

The NBA announced the Rising Stars rosters for the All-Star weekend. And, while the rookies and sophomores won’t be traveling to Atlanta to partake in the game nonetheless it’s an honor to be named.

US Roster:

Rookies:

• LaMelo Ball – Charlotte Hornets
• Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
• Tyrese Haliburton – Sacramento Kings
• James Wiseman – Golden State Warriors

Sophomores:

• Tyler Herro – Miami Heat
• De’Andre Hunter – Atlanta Hawks
• Keldon Johnson – San Antonio Spurs
• Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies
• Michael Porter Jr. – Denver Nuggets
• Zion Williamson – New Orleans Pelicans

World Roster:

Rookies:

• Theo Maledon – OKC Thunder
• Precious Achiuwa – Miami Heat
• Deni Avdija – Washington Wizards
• Facundo Campazzo – Denver Nuggets

Sophomores:

• Luguentz Dort – OKC Thunder
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker – New Orleans Pelicans
• RJ Barrett – New York Knicks
• Brandon Clarke – Memphis Grizzlies
• Rui Hachimura – Washington Wizards
• Mychal Mulder – Golden State Warriors

OKC Thunder youngsters recognized by NBA with Rising Stars nod

Luguentz Dort who was an undrafted rookie in the 2019 class rose to fame via his defensive prowess. Sam Presti signed him to a two-way contract immediately after the draft and prior to heading to the Orlando bubble inked the native Montreal, Canadian to a four-year highly economical $5.4 million contract finishing in 2022-23 (last season was a prorated).

Although Aleksej Pokusevski was the higher draft pick, Theo Maledon was the OKC Thunder rookie who got was recognized via his inclusion on the Rising Stars team.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Maledon is starting while George Hill is out and looks very much at home on the hardwood. So much so that many GMs are questioning why they let him slip to the second round.

In fairness, Maledon didn’t get played as much as he should’ve on his French team. While researching him in our draft prospect series there were extremely few film packages on the youngster or indication of what we’ve witnessed in Oklahoma City this year. Granted, presumably, the teams would’ve spent more time scouting him or speaking to his agent.

Dort’s inclusion is no surprise and Maledons inclusion was well warranted. Considering only eight rookies made the squad this is a big deal for Theo.

Of the rookies selected six were selected in the first round including the top-three picks plus the 29-year old Argentinian Campazzo who plays for the Warriors.

Maledon was the only second-round pick to make the Rising Stars team.

Congratulations to Theo Maledon and Luguentz Dort for this honor!