Aussies in Summer League: Thon Maker impresses in debut
Thon Maker put in a stellar performance in his NBA Summer League debut, registering a double-double as his Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 81 – 75.
Maker finished the game with 15 points (5-14 FGs, 0-4 3PT, 5-7FTs), 13 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks in 30 minutes of action.
It is a little unexpected that Maker would look this good so early considering he is jumping straight from high school, but his impressive physical tools allowed him to impact the game at both ends.
He looked nervous to start the game, missing badly on a rushed jumper, missing an open 3, then was blocked on a post-up attempt.
But once the nerves settled down his talent came to the fore.
Despite missing most of his shots from outside his shot looks smooth, his handles are exceptional for a 7’1 player and he moves around the court with amazing fluidity for someone his size.
https://twitter.com/AndrewDBailey/status/751567562308145152
At the moment Maker lacks strength to bang down low, but his length and agility allowed him to dodge around defenders and be a menace on the offensive glass. He had a whopping 6 offensive rebounds, which was easily a game high.
He was also able to get some impressive blocks in the final quarter by covering territory with such speed the offensive players were caught off-guard.
Offensively he looked a little lost inside, yet comfortable on the perimeter cutting in and crashing the boards. As a result the Bucks might use him as a small forward early on.
One thing is for sure, if he can keep this level of play up the Bucks got themselves a steal at pick 10.
https://youtu.be/JKaCW5AFGS0