Bogoljub Marković announced his arrival on Saturday in Sacramento, delivering a 16-point effort on 8-of-12 shooting while pulling down six rebounds and handing out three assists. His production helped Milwaukee cruise to a 97-83 victory over the Golden State Warriors’ summer squad in the opening game of the California Classic.

The Serbian forward’s efficiency was evident: every point came inside the arc, and his footwork around the rim was described as smooth with a soft touch. At 6-foot-11, Marković showed poise in the post, converting his opportunities without needing long-range shots. The second-half surge, where Milwaukee pulled away after a tight first two quarters, highlighted his ability to sustain scoring while contributing on the boards.

Photo: Yahoo Sports

Marković entered the summer league after a breakout season with Mega Basket, where he earned MVP honors in the Adriatic League. The 21-year-old was selected No. 47 overall in the 2025 draft, and Milwaukee secured him on a four-year rookie contract. The MVP campaign in Serbia revived the Bucks’ interest and provided the momentum that was missing from his brief first summer-league stint.

He was not the only Bucks player to make an impact. Brandon Boston Jr. led the team with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting, while Kira Lewis Jr. added 14 points and five assists. The Bucks dominated the paint throughout the game and used a decisive third-quarter run to cement the win, underscoring the depth of their young core.

Looking ahead, Marković is expected to spend much of the next season with the Wisconsin Herd in the G League, but the California Classic and the upcoming Las Vegas Summer League will serve as key evaluation periods. Strong performances in those tournaments could earn him a spot in the preseason rotation; otherwise, the Bucks will likely continue his development in the G League.

For a Milwaukee team that is building around its youthful talent, Marković’s debut offers a promising glimpse of his upside. If he can translate the footwork and post efficiency he displayed in Sacramento to the NBA level, he could become a valuable high-floor contributor for the Bucks in the years to come.