Thon Maker Continuing to Focus on Development

Immediately following his selection in the 2016 NBA Draft, many Milwaukee Bucks fans were perplexed about Thon Maker’s addition to the franchise. Over the course of his rookie season, Thon not only acclimated himself to the NBA quickly, but showed flashes of exciting play to the point that Bucks fans think that the team may have struck gold twice.

Despite impressing everyone earlier than expected, Thon still has a long way to go before he can ever be considered a part of the league’s upper class. Lucky for everyone, Thon’s reputation of being a hard worker is backed up by his actions. He talks the talk and walks the walk, which is clearly evident in this DraftExpress report from Italy.

Tucked away in the back gym, DraftExpress had the opportunity in between games to watch Thon Maker and his younger brother, Matur Maker, work out with Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Josh Broghamer. Thon is an adidas endorser and is here on their behalf at the EuroCamp watching the games, talking to the players, and being a highly inspirational story as someone that was in their shoes not very long ago, having played here in 2014.

A few positive things to note from this excerpt:

• Thon is taking his professional development seriously. It’s still early June, and the NBA Playoffs are still wrapping up (Game 5 of the Finals is on Monday night!), so most players might not start their offseason program just yet. Thon is channelling his energy into his growth as a player, which is exactly what he needs to do at this point.
• Thon prioritizes time with his family, just like Giannis. In working out with Matur Maker, Thon is demonstrating his family values and down-to-earth nature, both of which make him endearing to the team’s Midwestern fanbase. Giannis Antetokounmpo has similarly been lauded for spending so much of his time with his parents, and his brothers (Thanasis, Alex, and Kostas), and Bucks fans respond well to it.
• Thon is getting specific support and direction from the franchise. With coach Josh Broghamer’s involvement, Thon’s development is more likely to follow the track that will make the most sense for the team, another similarity he shares with Giannis (who also kept in close contact with the Bucks’ staff while overseas).

DraftExpress also made some observations about Thon’s appearance and the results of his workout:

Thon is coming off a fantastic rookie season and doesn't appear to be resting on his laurels at all. He has been lifting diligently (even while here in Treviso) and appears to be much bigger in both the upper and lower body. He shot the ball extremely well in the workout we watched, and is likely going to have an even better sophomore year for the Bucks based on what we saw from him as a rookie as well as here at the EuroCamp.

Thon also conducted an on-camera interview with DraftExpress, which is available in the article. All in all, it’s been a pretty exciting few days to hear about from Thon Maker, and will be a part of what makes us anticipate his second season in the NBA.