While far from the best in the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks have quietly been putting together a young core that features plenty of potential. No matter how this season ends, they will undoubtedly look to build upon that this summer, which could lead to them calling Bogoljub Markovic, their second-round pick from last offseason, who is currently overseas playing some potential-filled basketball.
Bucks should get a closer look at Bogoljub Markovic
When the Milwaukee Bucks selected Markovic, the potential was as clear as day. With a knack for passing, shooting, and doing all of the little things constantly, the ever-versatile big man looks like a player who could make an impact in today's game. Yet, given how young he was (he's still just 20), the Bucks allowed him to play overseas to continue working on his craft.
That decision is paying off already.
In 14 games with Mega Basket this season, Markovic is putting together his best professional season with averages of 16.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. There has been solid signs of growth from the 20-year-old, who is cutting back on the turnovers and fouls while improving his free throw shooting, overall scoring, and rebounding. He's brimming with potential.
Seeing what he has to offer after the season could be a worthwhile move for the Milwaukee Bucks. After all, they drafted him; why wouldn't they want to get him on the team sooner rather than later? They will undoubtedly bring him over for Summer League, just like they did last summer, and perhaps that is where he will have to make an impression before a final call is made.
Given that he would be the youngest player on the current roster, it would make sense if the Bucks stashed him overseas for next season as well, especially with their current frontcourt depth. Even if Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma are on the way out, the Bucks still have rising youngsters in Pete Nance and Ousmane Dieng, in addition to Jericho Sims, who is enjoying a mini breakout himself.
Milwaukee might see more value in keeping the forward overseas, where he can actually get reps and play rather than keep him glued to the bench. However, there's no telling how this roster will look after the season. With trade rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and just about everyone else on the payroll, a shakeup could be in order.
One way or another, the Milwaukee Bucks should firmly keep in mind that they have a potential-filled 20-year-old abroad who would fit in quite nicely with their recent youth movement.
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