The Oklahoma City Thunder recalled second-year guard Theo Maledon from their G League affiliate, the organization announced on Tuesday.
Maledon had originally been sent to the OKC Blue on Nov. 11. In his five total games with the Blue, he averaged 15.4 points, 4.4 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 33.7 minutes per game.
While those numbers are good, he has struggled at the NBA level this season. Through nine games, he is averaging 2.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 14.2 minutes of play. He is shooting just 20.6% from the field and 13.6% from 3.
It’s a step down from his rookie season, when he played the most minutes on the Thunder and filled in well for George Hill after the veteran guard got injured and eventually traded.
Maledon can help fill in for another guard now if so needed. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed the game on Monday due to a right ankle sprain, so Maledon can be insurance if SGA does have to miss more time or feels pain in the ankle.
The Thunder’s next game will be on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Central Time.
