Thon Maker was drafted with the tenth pick of the 2016 NBA draft, and ever since then, he has been firmly entrenched into many fans’ Boomers squad for the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Fast forward two and a half years, and Maker has not shown the potential that caused Milwaukee to draft him so high. His numbers have stagnated and has now lost his minutes to second-year player DJ Wilson.
This demotion has triggered Maker to ask for a trade from the East-leading Bucks. Preliminary reports say that his value will not garner much attention from potential suitors.
The scouting on Maker has always said that he was a project: someone that has fantastic athleticism, body and shooting touch. However, three years later, he has the same project tag, where his body is still skinny and his basketball knowledge lacking.
Why hasn’t Maker improved?
Maker’s career stats:
4.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.6 blocks in 13.3 minutes
Maker’s current stats:
4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.5 blocks in 11.7 minutes.
In 166 career games, Maker’s numbers have not moved, which shows that he has not improved his game. Brook Lopez is taking 69% of his total attempts from behind the arc. As someone who was flaunted as a stretch big that could knock down threes while also being a defensive presence, why can’t Maker play the same role as Lopez unless he isn’t good enough to see court time?
Looking past the numbers, Maker has seemed outmatched on the NBA court. His thin frame causes him to be bullied by bigger opponents, and his publicised shooting is not consistent enough to keep him on the court, even in this trigger happy league.
In his two FIBA World Cup qualifying games, Maker was only average. In the Boomers’ loss to Japan, Maker had 13 points and 12 rebounds but was outplayed by 33-year old Nick Fazekas. He then had eight points and four rebounds against the Philippines before showcasing his Kung-Fu skills.
For someone with NBA hype, these numbers do not fill fans with hope, especially against small teams like Japan and the Philippines.
So what does this all mean for the 2020 Boomers?
After the agonising defeat in 2016, Australia’s stock of big men was up in the air for Tokyo. Aron Baynes will still be a definite, but Andrew Bogut will be 36 years old, David Andersen has retired, and Cameron Bairstow was injured. The perfect time for Maker to stake a claim to be one of the first ones chosen.
Today is a different story. Although Ben Simmons is listed as a point guard, he is still of big man size. Jonah Bolden has improved rapidly to the point where he has started for Philadelphia. Cameron Bairstow is back from injury and showing life again. And finally, there are Aussies like Mangok Mathiang, Jock Landale and Xavier Cooks that are playing well in Europe.
This influx of talent means that Maker can’t waltz into the team just because he has an NBA contract. Especially in the new age of basketball where teams are getting smaller, which means that Mitch Creek and Brock Motum could potentially move up into a bigger position. There is also 36-year old Andrew Bogut, who has done so much for this country’s basketball program, who should have a spot on the roster if he thinks he can go again.
Thon Maker will most likely make the 2020 Olympic squad, but he should not take it for granted. His inability to grow to be a useful NBA player, as well as the competition for spots in a squad that is being touted as the best chance of winning a medal ever should motivate him to get better. Right now, Thon Maker needs to get serious if he wants to wear the Green and Gold at an Olympic Games.
Kyle has barracked for the North Melbourne Giants, Victoria Titans, Victoria Giants and the South Dragons. He's hoping the Melbourne United don't fold like the rest of them
