French Point Guard Theo Maledon to Declare For NBA Draft

Theo Maledon with Asvel Villeurbanne in 2019. Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images

French point guard Theo Maledon, who is considered to be one of the top prospects for this year’s NBA Draft, has made the decision to make himself eligible for selection.

Maledon, a native of Rouen, turns 19-years-old in June and has been one of the key players at his French club, ASVEL, during the 2019-20 season. He was largely expected to take home the prestigious EuroLeague Rising Star Award, which is presented annually to the top young player in European basketball.

While that award may be on hold due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, Maledon has decided to take the next step in his career. The 6’5″ guard has averaged 7.1 points, 2.3 assists, and 17 minutes per game for one of France’s best teams.

Maledon is a very young player who is expected to need to add some size in order to find success in the National Basketball Association, but projects as a possible starter at the point guard position. He draws rave reviews for his work ethic and commitment to the sport, despite needing to polish up aspects of his game.

The young French guard is projected to be a first round pick in this summer’s draft.

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