Brook Lopez – Milwaukee Bucks

In the first game of the season, Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez suffered a back injury, resulting in him undergoing a back procedure in December. 

Many believe that Lopez would be shut down for the year, especially after the team traded for veteran Serge Ibaka at the trade deadline, but the Bucks announced on Sunday that Brook Lopez would be making his return to the floor on Monday night against the Jazz after practicing with the team the last week or so. 

Since joining the Bucks ahead of the 2018-19 season, Brook Lopez has averaged 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and has shot 46.2% from the floor in Milwaukee. 

While he is not the same high-level, All-Star center that he used to be, Brook Lopez’s presence on the floor in Milwaukee definitely changes this team’s approach to things. 

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Bobby Portis has been great this year and Giannis Antetokounmpo is having another MVP-like year, but the Bucks’ depth in their frontcourt has been challenged at times, especially since Portis is not the best interior defender. 

Getting Lopez back before the playoffs gives the Bucks yet another weapon to play around with and most importantly, he will allow Antetokounmpo and Portis to be fresh when it matters most. 

With Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Serge Ibaka and now Brook Lopez back in the mix in the frontcourt, the Milwaukee Bucks have plenty of length and depth at the power forward and center positions, giving them a strong chance to repeat as champions.