Milwaukee Bucks: Thon Maker 2017-18 season preview
After breaking out late in his rookie season, Thon Maker will look to build off that success in his sophomore year with the Milwaukee Bucks.
When the Milwaukee Bucks selected Thon Maker 10th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, many experts questioned the selection.
The decision was generally classified as a “reach”, working under the assumption that Maker’s game would take multiple years to develop.
At first those draft experts appeared correct. It took Maker time to adjust to the NBA. Maker did not receive double-digit minutes until January 10 in his rookie season. However, Maker became a well-documented gym rat, and by the end of his first season was a large part of the Bucks’ rotation.
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After earning his spot in the Bucks’ rotation, Maker showed great potential. In flashes, Maker showed the ability to stretch the floor on offense, while being a defensive anchor on the back line.
This season the Bucks are expecting more from the young center. Maker is entering the season as Milwaukee’s undisputed starter and figures to be a key piece of the franchise moving forward. In order for Maker to develop into a core member of this team, he will need to turn flashes and potential into consistent results.
Greg Monroe will still receive large minutes, of course. Nonetheless, with only three centers expected to make the roster, the Bucks are counting on a large improvement from the Australian big man this season.