Théo Maledon: « The next step would be to have the same impact in a top EuroLeague team »

Théo Maledon (1.93m, 23 years old) is having a great season with ASVEL. After returning to France following four years in the NBA, the former Thunder player is performing at a high level in both Betclic Elite (15.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists) and EuroLeague (17 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists on average). In an interview with LNB DAZN Club and First Team, the Norman discussed the evolution of the French championship, his NBA future, and his desire to join a major European club.

A French championship on the rise

When Théo Maledon left France in 2020, the championship was far from the level he finds today. He notes this evolution with satisfaction:

« It (the championship) has really evolved in the right direction. The fact that there are three teams in EuroLeague shows this. There’s also Le Mans winning the Leaders Cup, and Cholet being first for a large part of the season until recently. It’s very satisfying for French basketball in general. »

With ASVEL, currently third in Betclic Elite, he is one of the pillars of Pierric Poupet’s team, contributing both in organization and creation.

NBA return? Not impossible, but not an obsession

After spending four seasons in the NBA, notably with the Thunder and Hornets, Théo Maledon keeps the American league in mind. But without rushing. « If I’m to have a career there, of course I’d like to return. The timing and opportunity must present themselves at the right moment, » he confided to First Team. Aware of the complexity of the transatlantic market, he prefers to leave this to his agents and focus on the present.

A future in EuroLeague with an ambitious club?

The interest Théo Maledon generates from several major European clubs, like Real Madrid, is no secret. And he himself doesn’t hide his attraction to a structure aiming for the Final Four.

« I think that with a successful season like mine, the next step in EuroLeague would be to have a similar impact in a team that plays at the top of the standings and has big ambitions, » he states, before concluding: « It would be a pleasure to play for all these historic clubs that we all know. »

At only 23 years old, Théo Maledon’s future looks bright, whether on European courts or across the Atlantic.