Chad Ford talks Thon Maker
Chad Ford took an up-close look at some of the prospects entering the 2016 NBA draft, including Thon Maker, a Detroit Pistons prospect, and offered his thoughts on what he saw.
Chad Ford released his workout confidential where he watched top NBA prospects work out and spoke with G.M.s about their thoughts on the players.
Here’s what he came away with after watching Maker and speaking with G.M.s.
"Maker has been the biggest mystery man in the draft. Even after 90 minutes of watching him work out, I would say he remains so.He aced his interviews at the combine. He tested as the second-tallest player in the draft. He has added weight and strength. His weight is up to 218 pounds and his body is starting to fill out. He could still add another 20 pounds, which shouldn’t be a problem for him.And in the drills I saw, he showed off a very solid 3-point jumper, great mobility for his position and a motor that goes nonstop. He’s in great shape and he played incredibly hard.Maker has the size, physical tools and determination to be a very good NBA player. But does he have the game?Both Murray and Ingram say he does. They’ve worked out with him in 3-on-3 and even some 5-on-5 settings and vouch for him that he belongs. Until he gets on the floor in competitive situations against other top prospects, it’s going to be tough to tell.Maker is itching to get the chance to show that. He wants to move beyond his mixtapes. He knows he has a lot to learn, but he wants to prove that he can earn his keep in the league.He has spent countless hours in the gym, and then at night is breaking down video of everyone from Kobe Bryant to Kevin Durant to Dirk Nowitzki.But at least one GM says he thinks that his best chance to be a star will take him on a different path than those players.“I think he’ll eventually be a 5 in our league,” the GM said. “He’s got the size. He plays really hard. He’s a tough kid. I think his defense will come along a lot quicker than the offense.“I’d have him watch Tyson Chandler video. Rudy Gobert. Those guys were thin, too. He can do more than those guys can on the perimeter, I’m just not sure his NBA coach will want him to.”For a young man who is still seeking his identity as a player, is he really ready for the NBA?“I will be ready,” Maker said. “I will be. I’m preparing for it every day.”"
I’m high on Maker. I get the skepticism surrounding him, but he tested extremely well at the combine in both speed and vertical testing–really every drill he participated in— and he’s shown enough traits that make me think he’s worth an investment.
If for some reason the Pistons had their choice of of Wade Baldwin IV, Demetrius Jackson, Timothe Luwawu, Thon Maker, and Domantas Sabonis, I don’t know that I would pick Maker, but I also wouldn’t be upset if the Pistons did.
Of all the aforementioned players, Maker has probably the highest ceiling, but one of the lower floors.
If the Pistons selected Maker, the coaching staff would have everything they could ask for in talent, but they would also have their work cut out getting the most of his physically gifts.
Is he worth taking at 18 and being patient with? I think so.