Former NBA second-round draft pick Theo Maledon has found a new home.
Maledon, the No. 34 draft pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2020, is heading home to France and LDLC ASVEL. The 3-year-old point guard has agreed to a one-year deal with ASVEL, whose majority owner is San Antonio Spurs great Tony Parker, per the club.
“I am convinced that Theo has not yet reached his full potential, and he will have the opportunity to show it this season in an environment that he knows perfectly,” ASVEL coach Pierric Poupet said as part of a larger statement.
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Known for his defensive prowess and ability to distribute the ball, Maledon couldn’t stay in an NBA rotation mainly because of his inability to shoot after his rookie season with the rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder in 2020-21. OKC acquired Maledon, Al Horford, Vasilije Micic, and a top-6 protected 2025 first-rounder in exchange for Terrance Ferguson, Danny Green, and Vincent Poirier.
Maledon spent most of the last two seasons in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets on a two-way deal. He appeared in 57 contests for the Hornets overall, though just 13 in 2023-24, before being released.
The 6-4 guard signed with Phoenix almost immediately after being waived by the Hornets. But he only saw 13 minutes of action over four contests with the Suns before being given his walking papers on March 17.
Maledon averaged 3.5 points last season with shooting splits of 28.6/16.7/93.3% in 12.1 minutes over 17 games, including one start. He grabbed 1.4 rebounds, doled out 1.6 assists, and committed 1.1 turnovers (21 assists to 18 turnovers).
While Maledon struggled in his 177 career NBA games, the 6-4 guard did perform well in the G-League during his time with the Hornets. He also played well in three Las Vegas Summer League contests with Orlando, producing two double-digit scoring efforts, shooting 52.6% from the field and 50% from the 3-point line.
Maledon Returns Home
Maledon’s signing with ASVEL marks his return to the club, where he began his career in 2017 with the club’s U21 team. Maledon, who debuted at 16, signed his first pro contract in 2018-19 and spent three seasons with ASVEL. The Rouen (France) native earned LNB Pro A Best Young Player and French Cup Final MVP in 2019.
“I am very happy and proud of Theo’s return,” said deputy president of ASVEL Graetan Muller. “Combined with the profiles of Neal Sako, Melvin Ajinca, and Mbaye Ndiaye, his return marks the heart of our project for the club and testifies to our confidence in a balanced team, combining experience and youth! “
Maledon is expected to start at point guard for ASVEL in 2024-25. Maledon is not the only former NBA player on ASVEL’s 2024-25 squad; Tarik Black, Nando de Colo, Shaquille Harrison, Joffrey Lauvergne, and Admiral Schofield also have NBA experience. Aji a, selected with the No. 51 pick in 2024, is a draft and stash prospect for Dallas.
Ajinca and Sako joined Maledon on NBA summer league rosters in 2024. David Lighty, Edwin Jackson, Ndiaye, and Paris Lee had previous NBA Summer League experience. This leaves Charles Lombahe-Kahudi as the only player on ASVEL’s roster not to play in the NBA or the Summer League.
ASVEL, the most successful French Club, had a solid LNB season, finishing third with a 25-9 record in 2023-24 and appearing in the league’s semifinals. However, they went just 9-25 EuroBasket action.
ASVEL will seek to extend its record French League championships to 22 in 2024-25, though its last title was in 2021-22. ASVEL also won a record 10 French Cups. Its best EuroBasket finish is a Final Four appearance in 1997-98.
