Calls in US for Maker to cop NBA sanction

AUSTRALIAN basketball legend Luc Longley has defended the Boomers’ Milwaukee Bucks NBA star Thon Maker amid calls from American commentators for the NBA to punish the forward for his role in the ugly brawl against the Philippines.

Maker attracted global attention for raising his knee in a bid to protect himself and his teammates as chairs and fists flowed freely on Monday.

The Sudanese-born big man’s actions prompted former NBA guard turned ESPN commentator Jalen Rose to criticise his actions.

Rose called on NBA boss Adam Silver to punish Maker for his role in the brawl, which saw nine Philippine and four Australian players ejected.

“For Thon Maker, it is going to put Adam in a unique spot because it didn’t happen in the NBA or the United States,” Rose said. “But he has got to be disciplined.

“I think that is something that the commissioner’s office is going to rule on swift, fast and in a hurry.

“He wasn’t throwing his hands, because he knows how valuable they are to him making money in the NBA. So he threw a couple of Bruce Lee kicks and got up out of there.”

In theory, the NBA could punish Maker for his role in the FIBA brawl.

Article 35 of the NBA constitution lets Silver punish players for “conduct that does not conform to the standards of morality or does not comply with all federal, state, and local laws … or is detrimental to the NBA.”

Longley believes the NBA should be proud of Maker’s actions to defend his teammates.

“I think what Thon demonstrated was an absolute willingness to back up his teammates when the shit hit the fan,” said Longley, the Boomers’ assistant coach who won three NBA championships alongside Michael Jordan at the Chicago Bulls in the mid-90s.

“He’ll be forever endeared to his teammates for his preparedness to have a go.

“It was his first time playing with ... yet he put his body on the line and I believe he did the right thing.”