Milwaukee Bucks: Who will be the team’s Most Improved Player next season?

Thon Maker

Thon Maker is, as always, a big question mark. He has shown some very promising flashes in the playoffs through his two years in the NBA, but for most of the regular season he doesn’t look like an NBA player.

Maker’s all-around numbers were worse in his sophomore season compared to his rookie season. Much of that was due to how his role shifted, but still it makes it safe to say Maker doesn’t really look ready for a breakout. That may make it tough for him to be the Bucks’ MIP, but maybe he can start having promising performances more often at the very least.

The key for Maker is consistent shooting. His bad hands are a big limitation as a roll man but if the 21-year-old can at least pop and spot-up that’s pretty valuable. For Maker to be useful as a stretch-5, his three-point percentage has to get back up to at least 35 percent. Maker also has work to do in terms of being able to put it on the floor and make plays a little bit more. And of course, needless to say, he has to get stronger.

Maker seems to have the work ethic, but let’s hope his polish and IQ will eventually come along too. If Maker does take a major jump as one of the team’s most improved players this season, it would be timely considering the decisions facing the Bucks on his rookie contract options too.