Dallas Mavericks: Theo Maledon 2020 NBA Draft profile

Dallas Mavericks 2020 NBA Draft: Theo Maledon weaknesses

Maledon has already competed against grown physical men who were double his age. Maledon’s talent allowed him to play a role in Europe, but at his current weight, Maledon will be severely undersized in the NBA. To guard multiple positions and finish at the rim effectively, he will need to put on muscle.

Maledon’s offense is still a work in progress as well. His basketball IQ, ability to navigate a pick and roll, and make the right pass are strong, but it seems as if Maledon hardly looks to score when turning the corner off a screen. If teams are able to sag off, go under screens, and anticipate his passes, the 19-year-old will have trouble being as effective in the pick and roll.

His height does make it easier for him to see over smaller defenders, but the development of his shot will determine Maledon’s ceiling in the NBA.

Maledon could also be compared to a slightly taller but slower version of Jeff Teague or a shorter Kyle Anderson.

He used his body well around the rim in France, but Maledon lacks explosiveness which could hinder his ability to finish in traffic in the NBA. Draft analysts and scouts consider Maledon a below-average athlete with a good first step. Mavs fans heard the same doubts surrounding Luka Doncic, but Maledon is not on that level.

Regardless, NBA teams will take a chance of Maledon because he has the upside to grow into a starter if he reaches his ceiling.

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