Makur Maker

Hal14 · Post #1 » by **Hal14** » Fri Jul 9, 2021 9:45 pm

I didn't see a thread for this guy but I think he could end up being the steal of the 2021 draft, especially considering he's going undrafted in most mocks, or maybe late 2nd round.

At the combine he measured 6'11" with a 7'2" wingspan, 232 lbs. Only 20 yrs old. Looked very impressive during combine scrimmages with his athleticism, agility, quickness for a dude who's 6'11" combined with the skill set being able to handle the ball, shoot, pass, rebound and block shots while playing with a good motor:

Watch on YouTube

The basketball training company he is working with to get ready for the draft also put out a cool 6 part video documentary series. I know a lot of it is marketing hype, but if you look past the marketing hype and look at the things he can do on a basketball court you see a guy who is potentially a lottery level talent.

Episode 1:

Episode 2:

Episode 3:

Episode 4:

Episode 5:

Episode 6:

Another video:

College highlights from his 2 games:

Watch on YouTube

High school footage since he only played 2 games of college ball:

Watch on YouTube

Workout video:

Watch on YouTube

What do people think? How high can you see him possibly get drafted?

There's obviously some level of risk in taking him too high since he literally only played 2 games of college basketball (and those games were vs Belmont and vs Queens). So probably too much risk to use on a lottery pick. But perhaps a team in the 15-25 range might take him if he has a good workout for them.

There's some risk, but I am saying potentially a very high reward if he keeps working and stays on this current development path. You can't teach 6'11" and you can't teach 6'11" dudes who can move on the court like this, handle the ball, pass, shoot (off the catch or off the dribble), rebound, run the floor and block shots.

Thoughts? Would it be crazy to pick him towards end of 1st round? I'd say the top 5 players I saw during combine scrimmages were Hyland, Primo, Grimes, Wieskamp and Maker..

CP War Hawks · Post #2 » by **CP War Hawks** » Fri Jul 9, 2021 10:34 pm

He has all the basketball talent but probably lacking the mental aspect. Not the same player but reminds me of Nathan Knight in that they have the ability but their path will likely follow the same road.

Is he in?? I'm a fan of his for the Hawks 2nd round pick. This draft has an unusual amount of 2nd round prospects that can make the 15 man roster.

Post #3 » by **GimmeDat** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 7:56 am

I've tried to follow him for a few years now, being an Aussie. I still really struggle to figure out how good he is. Even at the HS level, I think his senior year it was, he had some injury issues and really struggled, hurting his stock, but I remember hearing from others that his earlier years were really impressive (obviously at some point he had pretty good stock, #2 C of his class I think).

I think the first thing you have to do to properly assess him is throw the point-forward stuff out the window. Hopefully we learnt from that with Thon, if you ever bought into that at all with him. He can bring the ball up the court, sure, lots of bigs can do that, but functionally, he's not going to be doing anything crazy off the dribble. He does look like he has some decent vision as a passer, and he can shoot a bit off the dribble, so that's great. I think he's a legit stretch threat, seems to really be able to shoot the ball well, and has that face-up ability in the mid-post, all looks really good. I don't know how fluid he is taking guys off the dribble, haven't really seen a lot of that. Physically, he's got a better frame than Thon, more room for upper body growth I think, but he still as a similar physical to Thon (and many Sudanese) in that he has quite high hips (I think that's it). Either way, appears quite upright in terms of his movement and with a high centre of gravity, doesn't have a very strong base for interior play, imo.

Just some of my observations. I think he's a fringe 2nd round pick. Perhaps a draft and stash option (would be nice to place him back here in Australia), but I don't think there's nearly the body of work to draft him in the 1st, even if you believe in his potential.

BadWolf · Post #4 » by **BadWolf** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 10:01 am

Have to ask , what about age, is it accurate?

Wizop · Post #5 » by **Wizop** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 1:27 pm

I'd give him a look for a 2 way at 54. I would be surprised if he goes in the top 40.

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Hal14 · Post #6 » by **Hal14** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 4:02 pm

BadWolf wrote:Have to ask , what about age, is it accurate?

haha, you never know with kids from Africa. I would think maybe he's actually 19 instead of 20 since he's only had 1 year of college. 20 is pretty old for someone who just finished freshman year of college..

UcanUwill · Post #7 » by **UcanUwill** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 4:56 pm

To everyone in advance, I am pretty sure his last name is pronounced - muh-kerr, not may-ker as in english word ''maker''.

I dont really know what was Thons problem, he looked athletic to at least be servicable of the bench, I am not projecting Thons failure onto this kid, but I am just asking, why exactly Thon failed?

The Moose · Post #8 » by **The Moose** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:13 pm

UcanUwill wrote:To everyone in advance, I am pretty sure his last name is pronounced - muh-kerr, not may-ker as in english word ''maker''.

I dont really know what was Thons problem, he looked athletic to at least be servicable of the bench, I am not projecting Thons failure onto this kid, but I am just asking, why exactly Thon failed?

Some of the worst hands I’ve ever seen in the NBA.Not sure if it’s the main reason, but it’s certainly one of many for his failure

azcatz11 · Post #9 » by **azcatz11** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:43 pm

This body type just doesn't work in the NBA. I think at best he'd be the last guy on your bench and play very spotty minutes...if any.

Hal14 · Post #10 » by **Hal14** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 6:19 pm

azcatz11 wrote:This body type just doesn't work in the NBA. I think at best he'd be the last guy on your bench and play very spotty minutes...if any.

1) What body type is that? 6'11", 232 lbs. Moves well on the court, very quick/agile, has a quick 2nd jump on the offensive glass. Extremely athletic, can guard 1-5. Plays above the rim. For a 6'11" dude he's very quick - yet at the same time he's also very strong. Not really seeing any red flags..

I suppose you don't think Kai Jones will make it either? He's an inch taller than Maker but weighs 11 lbs less, when you watch the 2 of them play Maker is clearly stronger physically and less likely to get pushed around inside - plus Maker is more coordinated, less clumsy with his movements on the court and with the ball in his hands - Maker is also a much better passer..

Maker does have really big calves. Are you saying players with big calves can't make it? Cause that's not something I've heard before..

2) Keep in mind he's only 20 yrs old so still very much in the development phase with his body and his game. You really think the way his body is now is the same it will be his entire NBA career? If you watched the videos at the top of this thread you'd see Maker put in some serious work with a training company who works with pro athletes and athletes who are preparing to get drafted - and a lot of the work being done is on his body, rigorous strength and conditioning work.

3) Jokic has the body type of the Pillsbury Doughboy yet he still won NBA MVP. Makes me think body type is not the end all be all, as you imply.

azcatz11 · Post #11 » by **azcatz11** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 11:29 pm

Hal14 wrote:
azcatz11 wrote:This body type just doesn't work in the NBA. I think at best he'd be the last guy on your bench and play very spotty minutes...if any.

1) What body type is that? 6'11", 232 lbs. Moves well on the court, very quick/agile, has a quick 2nd jump on the offensive glass. Extremely athletic, can guard 1-5. Plays above the rim. For a 6'11" dude he's very quick - yet at the same time he's also very strong. Not really seeing any red flags..

I suppose you don't think Kai Jones will make it either? He's an inch taller than Maker but weighs 11 lbs less, when you watch the 2 of them play Maker is clearly stronger physically and less likely to get pushed around inside - plus Maker is more coordinated, less clumsy with his movements on the court and with the ball in his hands - Maker is also a much better passer..

Maker does have really big calves. Are you saying players with big calves can't make it? Cause that's not something I've heard before..

2) Keep in mind he's only 20 yrs old so still very much in the development phase with his body and his game. You really think the way his body is now is the same it will be his entire NBA career? If you watched the videos at the top of this thread you'd see Maker put in some serious work with a training company who works with pro athletes and athletes who are preparing to get drafted - and a lot of the work being done is on his body, rigorous strength and conditioning work.

3) Jokic has the body type of the Pillsbury Doughboy yet he still won NBA MVP. Makes me think body type is not the end all be all, as you imply.

The super skinny tall guys just rarely pan out - I wouldn't take him.

According to your analysis he should be the #1 pick lol

Hal14 · Post #12 » by **Hal14** » Sun Jul 11, 2021 12:40 am

azcatz11 wrote:
Hal14 wrote:
azcatz11 wrote:This body type just doesn't work in the NBA. I think at best he'd be the last guy on your bench and play very spotty minutes...if any.

1) What body type is that? 6'11", 232 lbs. Moves well on the court, very quick/agile, has a quick 2nd jump on the offensive glass. Extremely athletic, can guard 1-5. Plays above the rim. For a 6'11" dude he's very quick - yet at the same time he's also very strong. Not really seeing any red flags..

I suppose you don't think Kai Jones will make it either? He's an inch taller than Maker but weighs 11 lbs less, when you watch the 2 of them play Maker is clearly stronger physically and less likely to get pushed around inside - plus Maker is more coordinated, less clumsy with his movements on the court and with the ball in his hands - Maker is also a much better passer..

Maker does have really big calves. Are you saying players with big calves can't make it? Cause that's not something I've heard before..

2) Keep in mind he's only 20 yrs old so still very much in the development phase with his body and his game. You really think the way his body is now is the same it will be his entire NBA career? If you watched the videos at the top of this thread you'd see Maker put in some serious work with a training company who works with pro athletes and athletes who are preparing to get drafted - and a lot of the work being done is on his body, rigorous strength and conditioning work.

3) Jokic has the body type of the Pillsbury Doughboy yet he still won NBA MVP. Makes me think body type is not the end all be all, as you imply.

The super skinny tall guys just rarely pan out - I wouldn't take him.

According to your analysis he should be the #1 pick lol

LMAO, um, Evan Mobley is 7'0", 215 lbs. I suppose you wouldn't take him either, even with the last pick in the draft.

I suppose you also wouldn't have taken Kevin garnett. And you also wouldn't take Ziaire Williams, Isiah Jackson, JT Thor, etc..

azcatz11 · Post #13 » by **azcatz11** » Sun Jul 11, 2021 12:41 am

Hal14 wrote:
azcatz11 wrote:
Hal14 wrote:1) What body type is that? 6'11", 232 lbs. Moves well on the court, very quick/agile, has a quick 2nd jump on the offensive glass. Extremely athletic, can guard 1-5. Plays above the rim. For a 6'11" dude he's very quick - yet at the same time he's also very strong. Not really seeing any red flags..

I suppose you don't think Kai Jones will make it either? He's an inch taller than Maker but weighs 11 lbs less, when you watch the 2 of them play Maker is clearly stronger physically and less likely to get pushed around inside - plus Maker is more coordinated, less clumsy with his movements on the court and with the ball in his hands - Maker is also a much better passer..

Maker does have really big calves. Are you saying players with big calves can't make it? Cause that's not something I've heard before..

2) Keep in mind he's only 20 yrs old so still very much in the development phase with his body and his game. You really think the way his body is now is the same it will be his entire NBA career? If you watched the videos at the top of this thread you'd see Maker put in some serious work with a training company who works with pro athletes and athletes who are preparing to get drafted - and a lot of the work being done is on his body, rigorous strength and conditioning work.

3) Jokic has the body type of the Pillsbury Doughboy yet he still won NBA MVP. Makes me think body type is not the end all be all, as you imply.

The super skinny tall guys just rarely pan out - I wouldn't take him.

According to your analysis he should be the #1 pick lol

LMAO, um, Evan Mobley is 7'0", 215 lbs. I suppose you wouldn't take him either, even with the last pick in the draft.

Okay dude - you win. I don't want to go back and forth with you on this I honestly don't care

OGLife · Post #14 » by **OGLife** » Sun Jul 11, 2021 2:27 am

I question his ability to catch the ball in PnR. He fumbled 2 passes in the combine scrimmage

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Hal14 · Post #15 » by **Hal14** » Wed Jul 21, 2021 1:20 am

Read on Twitter

Hal14 · Post #16 » by **Hal14** » Tue Aug 24, 2021 10:03 pm

https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/08/23/ex-hillcrest-prep-basketball-star-maker-joins-nbls-sydney-kings/8245384002/

Post #17 » by **GimmeDat** » Thu Aug 26, 2021 7:26 am

Hal14 wrote:https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/08/23/ex-hillcrest-prep-basketball-star-maker-joins-nbls-sydney-kings/8245384002/

He'll be the 4th big in Sydney. The Kings have Jarell Martin, Xavier Cooks and Jordan Hunter.

Just like Kai Sotto in Adelaide, their fans expect them to start and dominate though. It'll be interesting to see how they react to the reality that they're not superstar NBL players. That said, I'm hoping for the best with Makur. It's really hard to know how good he is based off some scrimmage play and 2 college games.

EvanZ · Post #18 » by **EvanZ** » Fri Aug 27, 2021 2:45 am

GimmeDat wrote:
Hal14 wrote:https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/08/23/ex-hillcrest-prep-basketball-star-maker-joins-nbls-sydney-kings/8245384002/

He'll be the 4th big in Sydney. The Kings have Jarell Martin, Xavier Cooks and Jordan Hunter.

Just like Kai Sotto in Adelaide, their fans expect them to start and dominate though. It'll be interesting to see how they react to the reality that they're not superstar NBL players. That said, I'm hoping for the best with Makur. It's really hard to know how good he is based off some scrimmage play and 2 college games.

Probably not very good at all.

clyde21 · Post #19 » by **clyde21** » Fri Aug 27, 2021 3:38 am

at some point this dude actually needs to play some bball

Post #20 » by **GimmeDat** » Fri Aug 27, 2021 9:52 am

EvanZ wrote:
GimmeDat wrote:
Hal14 wrote:https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/08/23/ex-hillcrest-prep-basketball-star-maker-joins-nbls-sydney-kings/8245384002/

He'll be the 4th big in Sydney. The Kings have Jarell Martin, Xavier Cooks and Jordan Hunter.

Just like Kai Sotto in Adelaide, their fans expect them to start and dominate though. It'll be interesting to see how they react to the reality that they're not superstar NBL players. That said, I'm hoping for the best with Makur. It's really hard to know how good he is based off some scrimmage play and 2 college games.

Probably not very good at all.

It'll certainly be a reality check for both parties. Sydney just signed Matur as well, Thon's brother, so add another big into the mix. Don't know how they're going to figure out that rotation.