Former Bucks big man is back in the NBA, but there's a catch

It's always interesting to see where former Milwaukee Bucks end up once they leave the franchise.

Some head overseas, such as former playoff starter Patrick Beverley did this offseason, while others try to claw their way back onto an NBA roster. Sometimes, it's both, which is precisely what former No. 10 overall draft pick Thon Maker is doing. Maker has reportedly inked a training camp deal with the Houston Rockets, giving him an opportunity to showcase what he has left in the tank.

Given that this is a camp deal, Maker making a full-time NBA comeback is slim unless he impresses to the highest degree, so this may be a short-lived return.

Former Bucks big Thon Maker is still looking to earn his keep

At 27, Maker is still fairly young by basketball standards. He was a ripe 19-year-old back when he was taken by the Bucks in 2016 in a move that had all the potential in the world. Maker's athleticism and smooth perimeter shot for a player of his size made him an intriguing prospect. Not many people had him at ten on their draft big boards, which made it so surprising when the Bucks took him that early.

Maker was famously given monumental praise from former NBA MVP and Champion Kevin Garnett in 2016. The 21-year veteran said that Maker reminded him a lot of himself and that the young big man would inevitably earn an MVP one day. Milwaukee Bucks fans were incredibly hyped about their new prospect, but Kevin Garnett's bold claim was ultimately nothing but a bold claim in the end.

Things never worked out, with Maker requesting a trade from the Bucks two-and-a-half years into his tenure with the team after seeing his role reduce gradually, a wish that was granted soon after.

Maker spent the next two-and-a-half years with the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers before heading overseas, where he's been for the past several years. Now, the big man, who has not played in the NBA since the 2020-21 season, is gunning for a comeback. Perhaps there is more to be told in Thon Maker's basketball story.

The Rockets are not featured on Milwaukee's upcoming preseason slate, so the Bucks will not have a chance to see their old friend back in action before the season begins. It will be interesting to see if he sticks around.

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