Malevy Leons

Malevy Leons's Biography

Malevy Leons, born on 23 September 1999, is a Dutch professional basketball player who has established himself as an eminent figure in the basketball world. His most recent team was the Oklahoma City Thunder, a renowned team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This biography is a detailed overview of Leons’s life, from his childhood to his thriving professional career.

Leons was born and brought up in IJmuiden, a small port city in North Holland, to Iwan and Monique Leons. His love for basketball began at a very young age and was honed in the youth academy of Apollo Amsterdam.

In the 2017-2018 season, he finally found his footing and made his debut for the senior team in the Dutch Basketball League (DBL). The following season saw Leons becoming an indispensable part of the team. In this period, he started in 15 games, amassing a tidy contribution of an average of 5.9 points and 4 rebounds per game for Apollo. This exceptional performance disrupted any doubts about his abilities as a player, earning him a firm position on the squad.

Embracing new challenges, in 2020, Leons moved across the ocean to the United States, to play for Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri. There, he became instrumental in the team’s stunning 20-0 record while winning the Midwest District championship. His impressive figures included leading the team with 18.7 points and 9.5 rebounds, as well as adding 2 blocks and 3.1 assists per game. Recognized for his remarkable contribution, he was named the Junior College Player of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).

The 2021-22 season witnessed Leons donning the jersey of the Bradley Braves in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), elevating his career to new heights. His uncanny ability of thwarting opponent’s offense led to his crowning as the MVC Defensive Player of the Year in consecutive years, 2023 and 2024.

Despite his remarkable accomplishments, Leons remained undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft. However, he was not deterred and joined the Oklahoma City Thunder for the NBA Summer League. A month later, on 27 September 2024, his perseverance paid off when he officially signed with the team. Unfortunately, his stint with the Thunder was short-lived, with the team waiving him on 19 October.

Six days later, Leons found a new purpose when he joined the Oklahoma City Blue. However, he was soon recalled and on 31 October, re-signed with the Thunder. On 1 November, he made his NBA debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, scoring one point and recording an assist and rebound each in three minutes. His tenure with the Thunder came to an unexpected halt on 15 November when he was once again waived by the team.

Despite these setbacks, Leons has been praised by scouts for his versatility for his size – standing at 6 feet 9 inches with a 7-foot-1-inch wingspan. His defensive awareness has also been highlighted as a key strength, reinforcing his promising prospects in the professional world of basketball.