Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Theo Maledon will not play in the regular-season opener on Wednesday versus the Houston Rockets, according to Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said the absence of Maledon is excused and due to personal reasons. Daigneault did not offer additional details but the team will be without two players in the opener with Ty Jerome also expected to sit due to an ankle sprain.
The 34th overall pick averaged 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, two assists and one steal in two preseason games with the Thunder. He got off to a quick start during the preseason after producing 20 points and five rebounds in his debut game, shooting 7-of-14 from the field.
Ty Jerome (left ankle sprain) and Theo Maledon (personal reasons) will be out tomorrow for the Thunder, per Mark Daigneault.
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) December 22, 2020
Of course, Maledon spent the past three seasons playing in France with ASVEL Basket. He is perhaps one of the most experienced players entering the NBA this year and projects to emerge as one of the top rookies given his previous experience.
His status beyond the season opener on Wednesday is still unclear.
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