Aussies in NBA: Thon Maker struggles in Bucks blowout loss

The Milwaukee Bucks started their 2017 Summer League campaign on the wrong note, as did Australian centre Thon Maker in the Bucks' blowout 53-82 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Maker played 24 minutes but managed just four points on 1-8 from the floor, to go with five rebounds and a steal. To make matters worse, he shot 1-4 from the free throw line and looked quite lost throughout stages of the game.

The chatter last month that Maker had put on some size over the off-season too was quickly silenced, with the ease that he was being pushed around far too easily. In his defence, he was matched up against 7ft3 giant Edy Tavares.

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During the broadcast which was available on ESPN in Australia, Bucks coach Jason Kidd continued to leap praise on his young centre.

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Despite wanting to work on his ball handling duties, Maker really struggled with that responsibility even on limited opportunities.

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Despite Maker starting in 42 games last season, including six playoff games, it's paramount that the 20-year old continues to develop his game in the Summer League as he looks to improve for his second season in the NBA.

Australian's would have also noticed a couple of other familiar faces in this game, as NBL imports Casey Prather (Perth) and recently signed Brisbane Bullet Travis Trice played for the Cavs and Bucks respectively.

Prather recorded eight points, four rebounds and three blocks in 22 minutes; Trice seven points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals in 19 minutes.