Bucks expected to slowly develop Maker this season, while the rookie looks to focus on improving defence
The rookie wants to focus on improving defensively
The Milwaukee Bucks is expected to slowly develop the 10th overall pick at the 2016 NBA Draft Thon Maker this season, while the Australian rookie said he is focusing on improving his defence.
According to Bleacher Report, Maker is not expected contribute to the Bucks outright as the team has Jabari Parker and Mirza Teletovic at the power forward slot. Maker is expected to be brought along slowly this season as what he does best is shooting pick-and-pop jumpers, something that Parker and Teletovic bring to the table.
The Sudan-born player also needs to work on playing team ball better as Maker was unable to record any assist in five games during the Las Vegas NBA Summer League that began on July 8. Though he can shoot threes with ease, run the floor like a guard and has solid footwork, his inability to find open teammates when he can’t get his shot off properly makes him a possession killer.
For Maker, the biggest concern right now is working on playing well at the defensive end.
“For me, it’s just about reading the NBA rotation on defence,” Maker told Foxsports. Our team system requires me to be involved a lot, so defensively, I can cover a lot.”
The Australian rookie has the tools to be a defensive beast with his size, length and mobility. He showed flashes of defensive brilliance in Las Vegas when he was quick to rotate off the weak-side. His timing on help defence also improved over the course of the tournament.
The Bucks already have the potential to be a defensive powerhouse with its young, long and athletic team. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Parker have emerged as versatile defenders for Bucks Coach Jason Kidd. If Maker is able to follow suit, the length and athleticism the Bucks will have on the floor will be a nightmare for other NBA teams.
