Milwaukee Bucks: 5 Takeaways From Series Loss To Toronto Raptors

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Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) dribbles past Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Milwaukee defeated Toronto 97-83. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Young Guns Can Play

Pretty much all of the Milwaukee Bucks outside of Jason Terry are young, so let’s be more specific here; the Bucks rookies can play. Malcolm Brogdon and Thon Maker went from draft picks to playoff contributors very quickly.

That’s not an easy transition to make. There’s a reason tanking teams play so many young players–it’s difficult for rookies to contribute to winning teams, even if Thon and Brogdon made it look pretty easy.

Both players struggled at times in the postseason, but Thon especially proved that he’s capable of changing games. Maker made life difficult for Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan when he was in the game by blocking and altering shots, and being able to capably defend guards on the perimeter.

Brogdon started slow, and he ended the series shooting 40 percent from the field and 47.6 percent from three-point range. Thon shot 38.7 percent from the field and 20 percent from beyond the arc.

There are clearly improvements that have to be made. Still, both rooks showed some positive signs that they’ll be able to be better next time the Bucks are in the playoffs.

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