From the moment the Milwaukee Bucks selected him 47th in the 2025 NBA Draft, there have been rumors that the team could stash Bogoljub Markovic overseas next season. A strong showing during the Summer League could have potentially changed their minds, but the forward hasn't given them that option, as he's struggled mightily overall through three games.
Markovic has one game left to turn things around
In three Summer League games, Markovic is now averaging 6.3 points, 1.3 assists, and one rebound per matchup. He's been far from efficient, shooting just 38.5 percent from the floor, including a mere 33.3 percent from distance. If that wasn't poor enough, he's also tallied 2.3 fouls and 1.3 turnovers in this same stretch.
The biggest question mark regarding Markovic, and just how soon he may get to the NBA, starts with his defense. It's never been one of his greatest strengths, and he's had a few lapses over these three games. If he can flip a switch in that regard and show growth, it could do wonders for his chances of getting and sticking in the NBA.
To be crystal clear, no one expected Markovic to come out and dominate in Summer League. Having just turned 20, he's still undeniably raw. However, this was his chance to show whether or not he had the tools worth keeping him stateside for his rookie season or if he needs to spend another year or two back overseas to further work on his craft.
Three games in, it certainly feels like the latter will become a reality in due time.
Expectedly, there have been a lot of missteps for the youngster in Summer League. He looks like a young player in an unheard-of environment. However, the good news is that, even though the Bucks lost the game, Markovic did look much better in Milwaukee's loss to the Clippers. He poured in 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal off the bench, certainly his best outing yet.
If he can build off that, perhaps it will make the Milwaukee Bucks think long and hard about possibly giving their final roster spot after signing Cole Anthony to him. It doesn't help Markovic that the team has fortified their frontcourt depth by adding Myles Turner while retaining Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims in a core that already contains Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyle Kuzma, and Tyler Smith.
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