Media

Thon Maker explains his mentality as he fights to attain roster spot with Cavs

Published by
Justin Benjamin

The Cleveland Cavaliers signed big man Thon Maker to a training camp deal.

The 7-footer recently described his attitude to attain a roster spot with the Cavs.

“You have to come in with hunger and that’s my mentality,” Maker said Sunday. “Nothing is ever given, period. Even being the top 10 pick it wasn’t given as well. I’m not coming in thinking I’m a top 10 now. I’m coming in aggressive like I was when I was a first year. I’m approaching it as if I just came out of college. Like I spent my last four years in college so that’s like my mentality here now and you know, just play as hard as I can, and whatever happens, happens. I always trust in my work ethic.”

The Milwaukee Bucks selected Maker with the No. 10 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Unfortunately, the former lottery pick hasn’t lived up to the hype. He’s played for the Bucks and Detroit Pistons.

The international standout collected 4.7 points and 2.8 rebounds for the Pistons last season. He started in 14 games in Detroit last season.

The 23-year-old has a history with Cavs center Andre Drummond, who played in Detroit for his whole career before getting shipped to Cleveland last season.

The Cavs were the worst team in the Eastern Conference. They have missed the playoffs by far for the last two years.

Justin Benjamin

Justin's enormous respect for LeBron James has ignited him to write for the King and the Cavs. His all-around analysis and heart for the game has made him a premier NBA writer and proud staff writer for Cavaliers Nation.

Published by
Justin Benjamin

Recent Posts

Report: Cavs truly believe they can be title contenders

Per NBA insider Shams Charania, the Cleveland Cavaliers believe they have what it takes to…

23 hours ago

Cavs insider says Donovan Mitchell is ‘physically beat up and emotionally drained’

The Cleveland Cavaliers squandered an opportunity to reach the second round of the playoffs for…

2 days ago

J.B. Bickerstaff seemingly calls officiating into question after Cavs suffer brutal loss to Magic

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff seemed to call the officiating into question following his…

3 days ago

Kevin Garnett on Cavs: ‘They got an identity, but then they don’t wear it all the time’

Former Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett directed some criticism the Cleveland Cavaliers'…

4 days ago

Report: Franz Wagner ‘pierced’ one of Jarrett Allen’s ribs with an elbow during Game 4

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen suffered a rib injury due to an elbow from Orlando…

5 days ago

Marcus Morris on Cavs fans: ‘I just wanted to get an opportunity to show why they love me and why I love y’all’

Cleveland Cavaliers veteran Marcus Morris had a strong performance in his squad's pivotal Game 5…

6 days ago