Have we found the next great NBA Center? We may have to wait two years more for Thon Maker.
After the Golden State Warriors won the championship using shooting and "small ball" strategy, critics note that maybe, big men are no longer in demand. However, the anticipation for seven-footer Thon Maker says otherwise.
While it's true that many teams are starting to choose speed and shooting over height (one example is the Lakers choosing D'Angelo Russell over Jahlil Okafor), the demand for a center is still legitimate, but height is no longer enough. It has to be the right kind of center. Is Thon Maker the epitome of that new breed?
Karl Anthony Towns is said to be an example of the new generation big man. He is quick, athletic and an excellent rim protector. However, the speed of the game may demand that he extend his shooting range and start to operate from the upper block. Thus, he may have to develop some handles.
Similar to the handles and shooting that Thon Maker displayed in this video:
Maker executes a fine ankle breaker on his defender, which would be easier if he will face power forwards and centers. You can't place smaller defenders on him because he can burn from the three. Thon Maker will present a constant dilemma for the opposing defenses.
Make no mistake, though, Maker still has his weaknesses. His reed thin frame may remind you of a young Kevin Garnett, who went straight to the NBA from high school and did pretty well. However, the game is more physically demanding now than in 1995, with faster and stronger players.
Against elite competition, like Jaylen Brown, the 4th ranked player for the class of 2015, his lack of strength can be evident and it's likely he'll get pushed around at the next level. Still, his length and athleticism is clearly scary, which is why he was mentioned as the best player in high school at one point in the video.
Which is why he did not take the opportunity to re-classify and join the class of 2015. Maker's guardian, Ed Smith, told ESPN that Thon wanted to play with his brother, an incoming junior, before formally entering college. Thus, there is still at least two years before Thon Maker turns pro.