Milwaukee Bucks: Best candidates for 2018-19 NBA awards

Most Improved Player: Thon Maker

Since entering the league in 2016, Thon Maker has shown a lot of promise and potential. The Bucks passed up on the like of Domantas Sabonis, Taurean Waller-Prince, Skal Labissiere and Dejounte Murray to select him 10th in the 2016 NBA Draft. That pick was solely made on the hopes that Maker would fulfill his immense potential.

Through two seasons in the NBA, Maker has yet to take that next step. He averaged 4.0 points per game in his rookie season and 4.8 points per game in his second season. Despite this, every other game we see glimpses of what Maker could be one day, and at times it’s jaw-dropping.

In the 2018 NBA Playoffs, he was the difference-maker (pun intended) against the Boston Celtics. The Celtics, known for their tough defense, didn’t have an answer for him. In the first two games, Maker played a total of one minute, and the Bucks lost both games. They then played Maker in Game 3 and won, as he recorded 14 points, five rebounds and three 3-pointers.

Moreover, Kevin Garnett has gone as far as saying:

"“Thon (Maker) is going to be the MVP of the league one day. Mark it down. He has the bones. He has the appetite to be able to chase something like that.”"

Maybe this is the season where Maker has his breakout year. If given the opportunity, it could definitely happen. With a great, new coach in Mike Budenholzer, he may be the catalyst in taking Maker to that next level.