Theo Maledon stands as one of the most alluring international prospects in this 2020 NBA Draft, but could he be available when the Milwaukee Bucks are on the clock?
Theo Maledon has been on the radar of the Milwaukee Bucks and all NBA teams well before he even declared for the 2020 NBA Draft.
Whether it’s been playing for France across numerous international competitions or soaking up significant minutes playing for ASVEL in both the Jeep Elite League as well as the EuroLeague this year, Maledon has accrued plenty of experience, despite only being a teenager.
More from Bucks Draft
- Grading Milwaukee Bucks 2022 Draft Picks Beauchamp and Besson
- Milwaukee Bucks: 5 options for No. 17 pick in 2017 NBA redraft
- Milwaukee Bucks: 5 options for No. 10 selection in 2016 NBA redraft
- Milwaukee Bucks: 5 options for No. 17 selection in 2015 NBA redraft
- Milwaukee Bucks: 5 options for No. 2 selection in the 2014 NBA redraft
If his rare experience playing at the heights of basketball around the world wasn’t enough, being taken under the wing of legendary French San Antonio Spurs point guard, Tony Parker, who serves as president for ASVEL, is what separates Maledon’s upbringing with that of any other draft prospect.
With Parker in his corner as the two families’ ties with one another date back decades, Maledon has been uniquely accustomed to being in the international spotlight, and dealing with the ups and downs that come with it.
That’s certainly been the case for the 18-year-old this season as a shoulder injury limited his play and appearances on the court for a month lay-off. Still, the rewards of playing in the EuroLeague, Europe’s top basketball competition, was something Maledon enjoyed as he talked about with Aris Barkas of Euro Hoops earlier this month:
"“It’s been a learning experience, starting as a rookie in the EuroLeague, discovering EuroLeague, but I got injured, I didn’t play the way I really wanted. That’s the EuroLeague! It’s a really big competition, so you have to bring your A-game every night, but it was a process and I was always trying to prove that I can play.”"
Now Maledon’s sights are set on entering the NBA and blazing his own path from France, one that couldn’t have been established without his famous mentor.
In his 46 total appearances for ASVEL this season, Maledon averaged 7.2 point on .421/.333/.776 shooting splits, 2.7 assists and 1.9 rebounds across 17.3 minutes per contest.
So without further ado, let’s break down Theo Maledon’s game by looking at his strengths and weaknesses, how draft experts currently rate him in the class and explore his potential fit with the Milwaukee Bucks.