NBA: Breaking Down Every Eastern Conference Rookie, Team-By-Team

Jan 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts to his three pointer with guard Nik Stauskas (11) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Wells Fargo Center. The Houston Rockets won123-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 28, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker (7) shoots the ball as Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) defends in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Milwaukee Bucks

Malcolm Brogdon, Thon Maker, Gary Payton II

Malcolm Brogdon has done his fair share of contributing to the Bucks this season. He’s a solid addition on the wing and he can definitely provide some offense. He averaged just over 10 points per game, which isn’t bad for a rookie coming off the bench in most games. He also contributes a good amount of assists when he’s on the floor.

Thon Maker is a rookie who has been talked about a lot this season. When he was picked by the Bucks, no one really knew what to expect of him and based on his stats, it’s still being figured out. He didn’t play ,much early in the season. Recently, he had a good game against the Pistons. However, with someone who is 7-foot-1, you’d hope he’d contribute a bit more on the defensive end and in the rebounding category. Maker could be a force on defense, he just needs to work at it. The potential is definitely there, though.

Gary Payton II has a familiar name to anyone who has been following basketball for a while. Sadly, he’s only played in two games this season, so it’ll be hard to see how much he can potentially contribute to the NBA. One can only hope he can follow in his dad’s footsteps and become a solid point guard for a team down the road.

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