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NBA Season Preview 2017-2018: 10 players that will make a leap this season

By Jerry Christodoulatos

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 08: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks works against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 8, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 08: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks works against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 8, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 09: Thon Maker
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 09: Thon Maker /

9. Thon Maker

Thon entered the league as a total mystery last season, even though his name has floated around NBA circles for quite a while. He had become a YouTube sensation years ago, when he showed off some flashy dribble moves in a number of high school mix tapes. In the buildup to the 2016 Draft, an age controversy began to surface around him, which probably scared off some teams that might have drafted him otherwise. Maker showed last season that he was well worth the risk for Milwaukee at No. 10 overall.

Thon isn’t the player that became famous on YouTube highlight reels; he almost certainly won’t be punking fools with dribble moves at the NBA level.  He has the tools to develop into a useful NBA player that can impact both ends of the floor though. Maker didn’t play a ton of minutes last season, but by the middle of the season he was the nominal starter for the Bucks (he generally played between15 and 20 minutes even in starts). In a very small sample he flashed a semblance of a 3-point shot, which is a positive sign for such a young big. If Maker establishes himself as a competent shooter from beyond the arc this season, he will really help the perpetually cramped Milwaukee offense.

Maker’s greatest asset is his athleticism though. He didn’t attempt that many shots at the rim last season, but he has the potential to become a great dive man in pick-and-rolls. Milwaukee will test out his abilities in those sets as the season progresses. His quickness and length should eventually enable him become a player that can barricade the basket on defense. He’s not a deterrent at the rim just yet but with more minutes and to learn the ropes of NBA defense this season, he should make strides as a rim protector. Thon is still a raw talent at this point, but he showed off some important skills as a rookie. He can become a legit starter this season.