Making the NBA has been on the mind of Bogoljub Markovic for quite a while. Per The Athletic's Eric Nehm (subscription required), Markovic's preference after being taken 47th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks this past draft was to stick with the team as a member of the 15-man roster. Yet, that doesn't appear to be in the cards right now, postponing his dream of making the league.
Markovic's NBA debut with the Milwaukee Bucks will have to wait
It has already been confirmed that Markovic will return overseas this season to play for Mega Basket, where he previously suited up. Even before it was official, it felt like the most obvious outcome. There just wasn't much room in the rotation for a 20-year-old who likely wouldn't see much time on the floor, so it makes sense for him to head across the pond, where he can spend the year developing.
The Milwaukee Bucks clearly view Markovic as a long-term prospect. They've had their eye on him for a while now, as they reportedly worked him out prior to the 2024 NBA Draft. He's someone they think can grow into a legitimate NBA player. Yet, at his age, it's going to take time. As much as Markovic is set on making the NBA, it will take time before he's ready to hit the hardwood consistently.
Learning from a frontcourt of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, Bobby Portis, and Jericho Sims could have been excellent for his development, but nothing beats legitimate playing time at his age.
Not that it needed further confirmation, but Milwaukee's current roster logjam only solidifies the fact that he won't be in town next year. Currently, the Bucks already have too many players under contract, and some cuts will need to be made after training camp. The team is already employing two young, raw prospects in Chris Livingston and Tyler Smith; there simply isn't room for another right now.
While there's a chance they could take a look at him at some point during the season, it's much more likely that the Milwaukee Bucks will take another look at Markovic next summer. If he's taken strides or if the Bucks need another body in the frontcourt, perhaps the forward's wish of making it to the big leagues will finally come true.
For now, it's all about showing growth with Mega Basket.
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