While Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are the Milwaukee Bucks’ primary stars, Brook Lopez is one guy who allows the pair to be unleashed on the court because of his two-way skill set. This makes the big man one of the league’s best centers right now.
Lopez has made a significant impact in the NBA since being drafted 10th overall by the New Jersey Nets in 2008. Over his nine seasons with the franchise, he established himself as the all-time leading scorer, showcasing consistent improvement in his performance. Lopez’s early career was marked by notable achievements, including being named to the All-Rookie First Team and earning an All-Star selection in 2013.
After his tenure with the Nets, he played for the Los Angeles Lakers for one season before joining the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018. With the Bucks, Lopez transformed his game, becoming a proficient three-point shooter, a shift that earned him the nickname Splash Mountain. His contributions were pivotal in the Bucks’ championship run in 2021, where he played a key role in securing the title.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Lopez has been recognized for his defensive skills, earning spots on the NBA All-Defensive Team in recent years. His ability to block shots and his rebounding skills have solidified his reputation as a defensive asset.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Brook Lopez Ranked Among Best Centers in NBA
There’s no denying Lopez has been instrumental for the Bucks’ success these past few years. As it stands, he was placed 19th in a list of the NBA’s best centers by Hoops Hype’s Frank Urbina.
“The ageless Brook Lopez continues to trek along as a solid starting center, posting a decent 2023-24 season after reportedly spurning the Rockets last summer to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks. Lopez’s two main skills are as a shot-blocker and a three-point shooter from the 5-spot, ranking third in the NBA in blocks per game at 2.4 while hitting a solid 36-plus percent of his three last year.
Lopez, now 36, isn’t as quick as he once away (and he was never that quick to begin with), limiting his impact a bit, and we might be getting closer to the point where he’s no longer a 30-minute-per-game player like he has been over the last two seasons,” Urbina wrote.
Just recently, the Bucks have decided to retain the center for the upcoming NBA season, despite previous trade speculation. Lopez, who averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds last season, is crucial to the team’s title aspirations alongside stars Antetokounmpo and Lillard.
Throughout his career, Lopez has excelled on the court with a lone NBA championship to his name. As of now, Lopez continues to be a vital player for the Bucks, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in his game.
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