THON Maker is still somewhat of an unknown to NBA executives, so his measurements at Chicago’s NBA Draft Combine have become increasingly significant.
While many were upset that Maker opted out of competing in 5-on-5 drills, the Sudanese-Australian big-man made himself available for measurements and interviews, making an impression in both regards.
The first day of the camp saw Maker go through measurements, while the second day consisted of team interviews and athletic testing.
Here’s how Maker measured at the combine, and what it ultimately means for his overall draft stock.
MEASUREMENTS
Height Without Shoes: 6’11.75”
Height With Shoes: 7’0.75”
Weight: 216 lbs
Wingspan: 7’3
Standing Reach: 9’2.5”
Body Fat %: 6.1
Hand Length: 8.75
Hand Width: 9.50
Maker’s pre-draft measurements were a mixed bag, with some of his numbers impressing, while others are significantly lacking.
Standing at just under seven foot, without shoes, makes Maker the third tallest prospect at the camp. It’s likely that, at the next level — considering his mobility — Maker will play more at the four-spot, making his height even more impressive.
The 7’3 wingspan is generally what one would expect from someone his height, and his standing reach is also unsurprising; but, there are a few things that would be considered red flags to NBA evaluators.
Maker has often been knocked for not having soft hands, which makes sense, considering his hand measurements at the combine. Height generally translates to hand size, however, in Maker’s case, his hand length and width aren’t even among the top-10. While it’s not an aspect that would, on its own, deter teams from drafting him; it’s still a trait that is significant for a big-man, and something teams will factor.
The other measurement that proved to be underwhelming was Maker’s weight. The seven-footer weighed in at just 216 lbs, which is nearly 10 lbs below what he measured just a few weeks earlier. Maker has put on a significant amount of weight since moving to North America in 2013, but his inability to put on weight over the past year makes it seem as though there may be a ceiling to how much muscle mass he can put on.
Because of his weight, questions will arise as to whether Maker will be able to defend big-men at the next level; a question that’s also somewhat justified, considering the big-man is yet to compete at a level beyond high school.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Maximum Vertical Leap: 36.5’
Standing Vertical Leap: 32’
Lane Agility Time: 11.5 seconds
Three Quarter Sprint: 3.33 seconds
Shuttle Run: 3.09 seconds
As expected, Maker tested extremely well in this portion of the combine, posting some historic numbers for someone his size.
While it’s his agility that makes him a unique prospect for his size, Maker’s vertical leap numbers were what stood out.
Maker’s 36.5’ maximum vertical leap is the highest ever record in the NBA Draft Combine history, among players over 6’11. The 32’ standing vertical leap was the highest in history, among players over 6’11.
The remaining athletic tests also showed why Maker is one of the draft’s most physically intriguing prospects, with his lane agility, three-quarter sprint, and shuttle run times measuring among the best for big-men at the 2016 combine.
TEAM MEETINGS
Maker met with 12 teams throughout the combine, including the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics.
The majority of the meetings were simply introductory for Maker, who is expected to schedule more meetings and workouts once the NBA Draft Lottery sorts out the draft order.
As expected, Maker impressed in the team meetings; arguably his biggest upside is his maturity and competitiveness, which are two traits that bode extremely well for professional clubs.
“Through the interviews, most of the teams are really getting to know what type of person I am, and how good of a person I am,” Maker told reporters at the combine.
“Kevin Garnett. I can see myself being a modern version of Kevin Garnett. Intensity, leadership, and hard work. That’s contagious and rubs off on his teammates. Defensive presence and offence, too.
“(Can’t talk trash) to the level he goes up to. If somebody talks trash, I won’t get into it to the point where I started talking about their mother, or anything like that.”
A topic of conversation that was prevalent at the combine was Maker’s famous mixtapes, which, hasn’t only skewed the public perception of the big-man, but has also affected the scouting process of several NBA teams.
Maker’s mixtapes were somewhat altered to show off his impressive mobility, and rare ball-handling exploits, giving the impression that he’s a guard or wing.
“People have got to stop with the mixtape stuff. That’s not me,” Maker said.
“I bet you those people that put out those mixtapes haven’t really sat through a whole game of mine, and watched it, and saw my defensive rotation, the way I communicate with my teammates, and the way I pass the ball.
“They probably got the bad passes — the one hand passes — and didn’t get the fundamental two hand jump stop, or skip passes. They don’t get to see all of that stuff. Some people use that to identify me; the mixtapes. But I just told the team what it is, and that’s not me.”
PROJECTION
While Maker’s measurements were, for the most-part, extremely impressive, the biggest thing NBA teams will take away from the combine is the fact that he didn’t compete in any on-court activities. Because Maker never competed in college, NBA scouts and executives are still yet to see whether he’s able to match-up against players at the next level.
The measurements and athletic testing lend credence to the idea that Maker is a ‘project’ big-man, with teams expected to draft him based solely on his ceiling; which is extremely high.
Entering the combine, Maker was considered a late first-round pick, and it’s unlikely that’s changed until he has the chance to workout — and meet with — NBA teams in the coming weeks.
***by OLGUN ULUC Source: FOX SPORTS***
Olgun Uluc covers basketball for Fox Sports Australia. Follow him on Twitter @OlgunUluc.
Topic: Thon Maker NBA Draft Combine analysis (Read 10575 times)