Q. You had a little rougher second season than the first. What were the factors that led to that, and how do you plan to reverse that trend?
THEO MALEDON: I think just me starting the season bad put me out of the rotation, so I think a big part was on me, and I think I kept working, I kept my head down, trusted in the process, and towards the second part of the season I had a little bit more minutes, and I think I was able to prove what I was able to do on the court.
Just taking that mindset and carrying it on to this training camp.
Q. You got to play with the French national team this summer. Can you walk us through the decision to do that? What did you hope to gain from that experience?
THEO MALEDON: I think, yeah, it was a decision to choose to play or not, but it's always an honor to play for your country, so I went there with a lot of expectations. I think it's a really great, competitive country with high expectations, so it was great to be in that environment, to learn from guys that got a lot of experience and that's been in the league a little bit like I have been. It was great to learn from them.
Just overall playing competitive basketball during the summer, getting a chance to play for your country, to compete for a gold medal, I think it was a great experience for sure.
Q. Coming into your rookie year, coming to the States and trying to mesh on and off the court, do you give any advice to Ousmane as he transitions to the NBA?
THEO MALEDON: Yeah, for sure, I try to help him as much as possible. I just got back two days ago, so I didn't get the chance to see him that much, but for sure I'll try to know him what I've been through my rookie season and all the difference that it's been with the leagues before you get drafted. I'll try to talk to him as much as possible about what could happen.
Q. Thunder has more guys under contract than they do roster spots. How do you guys handle the stress of that, knowing most times if you've got a contract, you secure your spot on the roster. How do you handle the fact that you're sort of practicing for your job during training camp?
THEO MALEDON: I don't think we pay attention to that. I'm just going out here and trying to compete as much as possible, get better as a team and individually, and whatever happens happens. But just trying to not put my mind into that and just go out here and compete.
Q. Victor Wembanyama, do you know him, and the hype we keep hearing, is it legit?
THEO MALEDON: Yeah, I believe in him for sure. I've known him for -- he used to play where I played before getting drafted. Got a chance to see him a little bit. I'm really high on him, as well. He's a kid that wants to prove a lot, so I wouldn't be surprised if he's going to prove and keep proving, keep proving, keep proving and keep improving. I think he's really hungry. I think he don't pay attention that much to what other people say, he just focuses on him. It's a great tool for him, but yeah, (indiscernible).
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports