After two matches spent in civilian clothes on the bench, Théo Maledon has just seen the decision fall: The Hornets have decided to send him back to the G-League. A decision that comes as the tricolor leader has already played 35 of the 50 NBA games authorized by his two-way contract. As a situation, we have seen better.
The atmosphere is not looking good in the sky of Théo Maledon. The Hornets’ last two games have gone from staring to the field without being able to enter it, and today’s announcement of his G-League dismissal with the Charlotte-affiliated Greensboro Swarm. A choice certainly calculated by the franchise: Maledon has played 35 NBA games this season, out of the 50 that his contract authorizes.
The desire to preserve the Frenchie as much as possible for future matches? No doubt so, since with the physical glitches that deprived LaMelo Ball of basketball throughout the month of December, the Hornets no doubt want to grant themselves a certain length of bench on position 1. Of course, the statistics of Maledon this season are not those of a LaMelo, since it runs at 5.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists, for 40.8% shooting success including 32.3% at three-pointers. It’s just for the Hornets to have a reinforcement capable of being able to create the game without flinching, which Theo manages to do today without too much problem.
The @hornets have transferred Théo Maledon to the Swarm. He will join the team in advance of the road trip to Delaware. pic.twitter.com/xxYjG2Ym3m
— Greensboro Swarm (@greensboroswarm) January 5, 2023
But then, why not sign him a contract? It would indeed be logical, since with 35 games played, Théo Maledon is in the top 6 regulars in the franchise. The problem is rather at the economic level, since the Hornets do not have the means to offer a contract to the young boy without entering the luxury tax. What is blocking in particular? The $8.8 million the franchise still has to pay to Nicolas Batum, released in 2020. Oh the twist of fate.
Another reason? The return of Dennis Smith Jr on the lead, after a month and a half of absence. We were talking about the length of the bench just above, now DSJ can also come and give minutes to blow LaMelo. Big advantage of Dennis over Theo? He has a contract, which will certainly expire in June and which is only worth a little over a million dollars, but which makes it more annoying for management to move.
The main hope for Theo Maledon then? That the Hornets move two or three boxes from the group in February and that this eventually frees up space in the team’s payroll and that a minimum contract is financially possible. In the meantime, direction Greensboro to continue the grind until Steve Clifford faces again call to him.
Source : Greensboro Swarm
