Thon Maker's Milwaukee Bucks have had their hopes of winning the NBA Summer League title extinguished, but the 216cm Australian teenager still earned rave reviews.
The 19-year-old top-scored for the Bucks with 17 points in a 81-64 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.
Maker, who entered the game leading all Summer League players in rebounds with 12 per game, managed to add just three.
The recent No.10 selection in the NBA Draft appeared focused on showing his offensive prowess by hitting two three-pointers, jump shots and dunks.
Despite success with just six of his 17 field goals, Bucks head coach Jason Kidd and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban showered Maker with praise.
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"He's answered that he can rebound the ball," Kidd told ESPN.
"He's playing extremely hard on both ends.
"He's young - he's only 19-years-old - and he has a lot to learn about the game, but his effort and energy is at a very high level."
Maker will play alongside Australian point guard Matthew Dellavedova at the Bucks in the coming NBA regular season after Dellavedova secured a $US38.5 million, four-year deal to move from champions Cleveland.
Controversy has swirled around Sudan-born, Australian-raised Maker's age, with some reports suggesting he was 23-years-old.
"You know, for a 40-year-old he can still play," Cuban joked.
The Mavericks billionaire, who just snared Australian veteran centre Andrew Bogut, said he was impressed with Maker.
"He's long, athletic and has all of the tools," Cuban said.
No.1 draft pick Ben Simmons, another Australian teenager and the star attraction at Summer League, was rested from his Philadelphia 76ers' 108-71 win over the NBA D-League Select team on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old is expected to lead the 76ers in their pursuit of the Summer League title against the Brooklyn Nets in their second round clash on Thursday.
