Hunter targets big impact with Phoenix

Photo: SEM Phoenix.

Josh King has taken a clear approach to building a versatile roster, bringing in players who can adapt across multiple positions, with point guard Hunter Maldonado emerging as a standout example.

“I heard a lot of good things about the NBL, especially on the international stage as it’s continuing to get more and more viewers,” the American recruit said on NBL Now.

“Talking to Josh King… the role he saw for me, as well as the facilities here… it’s great. I’m making sure I make the most of every minute, every one of everything I’ve got.”

Maldonado spent last season in Germany’s top league with Ludwigsburg, averaging 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists.

“As with anything, there’s growing pains. My first two, three weeks, I was feeling good, but then you actually hit the season, and you realise what it really is.

“It was a slow start, and it picked up at the end, but I think that’s just figuring out the game.

“I got going at the end, so coming here I plan to pick up where I left off.”

Before heading to Europe, the 26-year-old captured a G League championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder's affiliate and earned a spot representing the team at the NBA Summer League.

“My first summer league I was playing with Chet (Holmgren) and J-Dub (Jalen Williams), and just how hard and fast they played, it showed me the scale they’re at… how good those guys are,” he added.

“Then obviously the G League championship was crazy. It was surreal… I learned a lot from all of them, because each opportunity is different.”

Maldonado is now intent on doing everything he can to help the Phoenix chase their ambitions. Still early in his professional career, he feels his recent experience has him well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

“Germany is one of the most physical leagues over there… so coming here, it’s a different type of physicality. It still takes some getting used to, but it’s definitely not like when I went from G League to Germany where I had to learn about it all.

“It’s still early days. For me, I’m just going out there and trying to make sure I get to know the guys, how they like to play, where they like the ball, all those sorts of things.

“I think we’re continuing to figure it out as the weeks progress and get better each day.”