Milwaukee Bucks: Thon Maker 2017-18 season preview

Expectations for Maker this season

Last season, Maker was granted the gift of low expectations. Despite being drafted in the first round, most draft experts characterized Maker as raw and unpolished, and very few expected him to contribute early in his career.

After starting the last 34 games last season, expectations are much higher this year. This season, Maker is the undisputed starter and expectations are for him to perform like he did at the end of last season.

That will require a large jump in Maker’s consistency. After obtaining the starting job for good last season on February 10 , Maker still had 10 games when he did not receive double-digit minutes. During that same stretch he was held scoreless in four games as well.

Consistency comes with age. Maker was young last season and transitioning to a new league and lifestyle. There is almost no doubt his consistency will improve this season, and it will need to. The Bucks can’t have nights where their starting center is only playing five to 10 minutes.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker 2017-18 season preview

Similar to last season, this year, the Bucks are relying on many young players. They are also relying on the improvement of many of those young players, Maker included. Maker has the talent, and this year he will have the opportunity. The only question that remains is, if he will seize it.