8
Nov
5 min read
Aussies in NBA history: Thon Maker
Thon Maker #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks poses for a portrait during the 2016 NBA Rookie Photoshoot at Madison Square Garden Training Center on August 7, 2016 in Tarrytown, New York. Photo: Nick Laham/Getty Images
Thon Maker: High school phenom to NBA and international champion
- First high school player drafted in the first round since 2005
- Key contributor to Milwaukee Bucks' playoff runs in 2017 and 2018
- FIBA West Asia Super League MVP and Asian continental champion with Al Riyadi Beirut
Thon Maker's unique journey from South Sudanese refugee to NBA lottery pick captivated basketball fans worldwide, showcasing the global reach and diversity of Australian basketball talent.
Key Details
Name: Thon Marial Maker
Age: 27
Team(s): Milwaukee Bucks; Detroit Pistons; Cleveland Cavaliers; Al Riyadi Beirut; and Rio Grande Valley Vipers
Position: Power Forward / Center
Size: 7'0" (2.13 m)
Weight: 221 lbs (100 kg)
Thon Maker entered the NBA as a tantalising prospect, combining his imposing 7-foot frame with a rare blend of mobility and perimeter skills. His playing style was characterised by his ability to run the floor like a guard, protect the rim as a shot-blocker, and stretch defences with his three-point shooting potential.
Maker's unique skill set made him a prototype for the modern "unicorn" big man. He possessed the length to alter shots in the paint and the quickness to switch onto smaller players on the perimeter, making him a versatile defensive asset. Offensively, while still raw, Maker showed flashes of being able to put the ball on the floor and knock down open jumpers, creating mismatches against traditional centres.
Thon Maker's Career
Thon Maker's path to the NBA was unconventional from the start. After moving to Australia as a refugee at age five, he was discovered playing soccer in Perth at 14. His journey then took him through high schools in Louisiana and Virginia before landing at the Athlete Institute in Ontario, Canada.
Maker made headlines when he successfully petitioned to enter the 2016 NBA Draft directly from high school, becoming the first player to do so since the implementation of the "one-and-done" rule. The Milwaukee Bucks, intrigued by his potential, selected him with the 10th overall pick.
During his rookie season with the Bucks, Maker's playing time was limited but gradually increased. He showed promise, particularly during the 2017 playoffs, where he provided energy and rim protection off the bench. His sophomore season saw him continue to develop, with memorable performances in the 2018 playoffs against the Boston Celtics, where he blocked five shots in consecutive games.
Maker's role with the Bucks diminished in his third season, leading to a trade to the Detroit Pistons in February 2019. He spent parts of two seasons with the Pistons before a brief stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2020-21 season.
After his time in the NBA, Maker took his talents overseas, playing for Hapoel Jerusalem in Israel and Fujian Sturgeons in China. His international career reached new heights with Al Riyadi Beirut in Lebanon, where he won the FIBA West Asia Super League MVP and helped the team secure the Basketball Champions League Asia title.
Five Fast Facts
- Born in Wau, South Sudan, before moving to Australia as a refugee at age five
- Discovered playing soccer in Perth at age 14 by Edward Smith, who became his guardian and coach
- Became the first player drafted directly from high school since 2005 when selected 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2016
- Represented Australia in international competition, making his debut in 2018
- Won the inaugural FIBA West Asia Super League MVP award in 2024 with Al Riyadi Beirut
Career Highlights Timeline
2011: Began playing basketball competitively in Sydney
2014: Enrolled at Athlete Institute in Ontario, Canada
2016: Selected 10th overall in the NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks
2017: Made NBA playoff debut with the Bucks
2018: Recorded five blocks in back-to-back playoff games against the Boston Celtics
2019: Traded to the Detroit Pistons
2021: Signed with Hapoel Jerusalem in Israel
2022: Joined Fujian Sturgeons in China
2024: Won FIBA West Asia Super League MVP and Basketball Champions League Asia with Al Riyadi Beirut
Thon Maker's basketball journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. From his beginnings as a refugee in Australia to becoming an NBA lottery pick and later finding success in international leagues, Maker has consistently defied expectations and overcome challenges.
While his NBA career may not have reached the lofty heights initially projected, Maker's impact on the game extends beyond statistics. His unique path to professional basketball opened doors for other international prospects and highlighted the global nature of talent discovery in the modern era.
