NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 things we learned from Toronto beating Milwaukee

Apr 22, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Michael Beasley (9) defends Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 20, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker (7) takes a shot against Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) in the third quarter in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Things are looking up in Milwaukee

Many are predicting the Bucks to be the next Eastern Conference juggernaut. A team ascending to knock off the Cavaliers once LeBron James (maybe) starts his inevitable post-prime decline. And those in this camp have every reason to be optimistic.

They already deploy a basketball unicorn (and possibly two) — rare amalgams of elite talent, size, and skills — as their franchise cornerstone. That in itself would be more than most teams have to be excited about.

But then you start to factor in the youth and promise of the overall roster. The average age of the starting lineup they used in the first round is 23.2 years old. The youngest of which, being Thon Maker. He was a mystery box heading into draft night, but John Hammond’s gamble looks like it’s already paying dividends. Sometimes Maker looks like a baby giraffe trying to ice skate, but he flashed signs of tremendous potential; blocking shots, nailing 3’s, or slipping passes for open layups. He looks like he’ll wreak havoc once he hones his skills and get more comfortable in Jason Kidd’s scheme.

The future already shines bright, and that’s before factoring in the return of Jabari Parker. Speaking of the bright future…

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