“Life After Lopez: Bucks Scramble for a Center Solution”
For seven years Brook Lopez has put on his number 11 jersey for the Milwaukee Bucks. He has done some great things in Milwaukee. He won a championship in 2021, a two-time All-defensive teamer, and just a week ago he entered his name further into the history books, he became the no. 20 all-time leading shot blocker in the NBA. He has 1,969 blocks. Lopez just leapfrogged another All-defensive Team player, Theo Ratliffe. Former All-Star power forward Larry Nance’s 2,027 blocks are up next on the ranks.
Lopez is having another solid season for the Bucks averaging 12.4 PPG 4.9 rebounds a game, and almost 2 blocks per game. When Giannis Antetokounmpo was out for a few games Lopez stepped up and had three straight 20 or more-point games. With this level of play, it’s almost a guarantee he will have teams ready to sign him. He is an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season, Milwaukee also could look for a trade to get a little younger.
Milwaukee has Bobby Portis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Taurean Prince who could mix at at the power forward and center positions, but they don’t have a young forward that can be relied on for the next few years. The Bucks are the 7th oldest team in the NBA 27.87 average age. Giannis has already missed a few games to try to keep him healthy. Lopez is 36 years old but has been relatively healthy the last two years only missing seven games during that stretch. Prince isn’t a big scorer but is relied on for his defense and hustle.
Can Middleton Stay Healthy and Lead the Bucks Back to the Top?
You can argue, that if the Bucks want to make a push for a top-three seed, they will need their sharpshooter Khris Middleton to stay healthy. Along with Lopez’ expiring contract, Middleton has a player option for next year. Middleton has played in 11 games this year averaging 13.9 PPG in 23.6 minutes. His lowest point total since the 2014-15 season. Despite his lower scoring he is shooting a career-best 46.3% from three-point range and has added some playmaking ability to his game averaging 5.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.
Keeping him healthy is key for the Bucks, he will likely be held out of some back-to-back sets, and will most certainly be taken out late in close games for a defensive substation as it’s clear he has lost a step, but his shooting, and basketball IQ are two important things the Bucks need to get back to the top.
Will the Bucks Make a Move? Trade Rumors Swirling Around the Team
With any playoff team, especially with the success the Bucks have had in the last few years, there will always be trade rumors. According to SI a proposed thee team deal where Milwaukee receives Nikola Vucevic and Torrey Craig. The Golden State Warriors receive Brook Lopez and talent Horton Tucker. The Chicago Bulls receive Andrew Wiggins and multiple picks. This move benefits Milwaukee as they will get a slightly younger center who is playing at a high level. Will the Bucks make a move, that remains to be seen.
The Bucks are currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings, 11.5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. Considering how bad they started this is a positive place for the Bucks to be in right now.
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