OKC Thunder: Theo Maledon calls multiple ball handlers a great thing

With the OKC Thunder hitting the podium for Media Day fans were eager to hear from the players returning to the club. The team will open training camp on Tuesday and play four preseason games between October 4th and 14th.

Thunder executive Sam Presti kicked off the first media session when he held his annual preseason media conference on Friday.  In speaking about his young squad he noted how Summer League can impact the growth of the players in terms of relationship building and pinpointing candidates who’ll showcase leadership qualities.

OKC Thunder Theo Maledon adds muscle to frame

While Theo Maledon fell draft boards, Sam Presti didn’t sleep on the young point guard grabbing him up with the 34th pick. Maledon impressed his club in his rookie season and at only 19 displayed the potential OKC saw in him when they drafted him.

He averaged 10 points, three rebounds, a trio of assists, and a steal per game, playing in 65 games, 49 as a starter. Although he likely would’ve benefited from playing a backup point guard role with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out due to injury and George Hill injured the majority of the time he was still with OKC it elevated Maledon to the starting rotation.

Like many of the young Thunder players, there is room for growth, and this season he’ll have an opportunity to display those improvements. With the addition of Josh Giddey, it may relegate Maledon back to the bench.

Appearing in all five Summer League games Maledon registered 10 points, four rebounds, and six assists in nearly 30 minutes per game. While he shot 90-percent from the stripe and was league average from beyond the arc, he needs to find the range closer to the basket as he struggled from field overall shooting an inefficient 33 percent.

Today, Theo Maledon returned to Bricktown for Oklahoma City Thunder Media Day, as training camp begins tomorrow. Maledon has added muscle to his frame.

When asked about the number of ball handlers on the roster, the possibility of playing next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey who both wish to be facilitators, Maledon said it is “a great thing” mentioning throughout training camp the team will have “healthy competition.” 

As Theo Maledon and the roster continue to build chemistry, the added strength should be able to help his overall game. After struggling to finish at the rim, that is an area that should be much improved this season.