Milwaukee Bucks: Whose stock is rising and falling?

Thon Maker

One player’s gain is another’s loss. When John Henson gained the starting center position, he had to take it from someone. That someone was Thon Maker.

After starting for the last 36 games, including playoffs, for the Bucks in 2016-17, some (this writer included) predicted Maker would take the next step in his sophomore campaign. Unfortunately for Maker and the Bucks, that has not been the case.

In fact, Maker’s statistics have regressed in nearly every category from his rookie season. Per 36 minutes, Maker is averaging fewer points, rebounds, assists, and blocks.

Part of Maker’s drop in production can be attributed to his inability to make shots. Maker’s shooting percentages have cratered this season compared to last year, dropping nearly seven percentage points from the field and by more than 10 percent from three.

This is not an effect of teams playing closer attention to Maker than last season either. According to NBA.com, last season 21.6 percent of Maker’s shots were considered wide open, meaning that the closest defender was six feet or more away.

This season Maker has been wide open on 44.8 percent of his shots. More than twice as many open looks, only to make a smaller percentage.

Maker’s unique combination of shooting and rim protection gave him the potential to develop into a rare talent in this league. Without shooting Maker becomes very replaceable. The Bucks are hoping he will find his shooting, and perhaps the confidence to round out the rest of his game soon.