Milwaukee Bucks: Players Who Will Play In Future All-Star Games

Thon Maker

The Australian big man is the wild card, the near-unknown in the All-Star equation. With only a handful of minutes under his belt, the raw prospect is still working through basics. However, he is also showing range from deep (3-for-5 on three-pointers in a win over the Indiana Pacers) and growing in his defensive instincts.

There is a path for Maker to tread where he steadily increases with each passing year, able to protect the rim and set up anywhere on the court for offense. His length would allow him to bother opposing shots no matter the angle, and his increased feel for the game can help him pick up the specifics of a new system.

This road for Maker shows not only All-Star, but also MVP candidate. He has the potential to be that good. Despite the glut of centers in the East – Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Myles Turner, Joel Embiid – a player dominating on both ends of the court will be valuable.

The other side of the coin has to be mentioned as well, that Maker could struggle to take the next steps and grow very slowly or not at all. He does appear at first glance to be a lanky collection of tent poles. But his teammates and coaches rave about him, and Milwaukee has earned the role of cultivating this player into one who reaches his full potential.

Milwaukee Bucks:: What happens if they keep winning?

All of this speculation shows that the Bucks have a great young core ready to lead them for years to come. Whether they send one candidate or four, this team’s expectations and dreams are not decided by the media but by their own count.