Thon Maker in action against Dallas Mavericks.
Camera IconThon Maker in action against Dallas Mavericks. Credit: Supplied/Getty Images

Perth’s Thon Maker looks the goods in NBA Summer League

Staff ReporterCity / West

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PERTH’S Thon Maker appears to have a bright future in the NBA after the 2016 No. 10 draft pick was named to the All-NBA Summer League second team following the recent pre-season competition.

Maker impressed in most of his outings for the Milwaukee Bucks and earned a spot on the second team after averaging 14.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game as the Bucks finished the Las Vegas league with a 1-5 record. Some pundits even drew comparisons to NBA superstar Kevin Durant.

He displayed his strengths on debut against Cleveland, most notably perimeter defence in the pick and roll, rebounding and shot-blocking. He finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds as the Bucks downed the Cavaliers 81-75.

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WATCH: Highlights of Thon Maker’s debut at the Las Vegas NBA Summer League

In game two against the NBA D-League Select Maker stood out with 17 points and 17 rebounds, his second straight double-double, and even hit a three-pointer for good measure. He also dominated the defensive glass, grabbing 13 of his rebounds as the Bucks gave up just five offensive boards in the 91-86 loss.

WATCH: Highlights of Maker’s 17 point, 17 rebound performance in game two

It was not all smooth sailing for the former Mirrabooka schoolboy though, as a number of handling errors marred his subsequent performances, and he shot at only 37.7 per cent from the field. However, of all the first round picks who used more possession per game and shot at a better rate was teammate Kris Dunn.

The 2016-17 NBA pre-season proper tips off on October 4, while the season proper begins October 25.