Maker Takes Kings Lessons to NBA

Sydney Kings champion Makur Maker has his sights firmly set on the NBA this offseason, declaring the “right fit” is the biggest thing he is looking for in the association.

The NBL Next Star had an injury-disrupted campaign but returned late in the season to play a key role in the Kings’ championship charge.

Maker is willing to take the lessons he learnt in Sydney to the NBA, as he knows it’ll be a competition to earn his spot on a roster.

“The biggest thing is just the right fit. A team that sees my skill and potential. (I’m) willing to build off that,” Maker told Hoops Hype.

“This last year in the NBL I used it as my rookie year. I didn’t get a chance to play a lot – I didn’t get the minutes I wanted to.

“I had to shift my mindset and play a role that can contribute to winning. That was rebounding, defending, running the lane hard, scoring, setting good screens, things like that to win a championship, and we were able to do that.

“Getting into the NBA my biggest thing is whenever I’m on the floor is just trying to impact the game. Of course, I’m a competitor and I want to be in the starting five, and I will compete to earn that spot.”

Maker also explained how the NBA loaded staff at the Kings helped his development this season, as he learnt to never take a possession off.

“Luc Longley was part of the staff. Andrew Bogut, the No 1 pick, was also on the staff. I was surrounded by great teammates, who also played in the NBA: Ian Clark, Jarell Martin, and Jaylen Adams,” Maker said.

“That whole positive energy, just being around them every single day. That’s the most you can ask for when you’re trying to make it to the NBA.

“Just being around them, those guys have been in the NBA. They’ve won championships at the NBA level.

“That’s a great stepping stone heading into the NBA, and it gives me an advantage over my peers.”