In a time of NBA Free Agency, center Brook Lopez proves a great tool for an NBA contender to win the finals.
Brook Lopez’s contract is up, and he is coming off one of his better seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. The success of Lopez helped the Bucks finish with the Number 1 Seed in the Eastern Conference. With big moves happening, Brook brings a lot to a championship team.
Brook Lopez NBA Free Agency Player Profile
The Fit of Brook Lopez (Strengths)
Brook’s Defense
While not much of a defender in his early years, Brook is currently one of the best defensive anchors in the NBA. Lopez was tied for second in block shots per game at 2.5, only trailing Jaren Jackson Jr. for the top spot. Additionally, he contended for a Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Outside of his individual successes on defense, the Bucks finished 4th in Defensive Efficiency due to Brook’s rim protection.
With defense being a need for contending teams, Lopez helps stops threats like Nikola Jokic because of his size.
Three Point Shooting
In a league where big men shoot threes, Brook Lopez is one of the best. Lopez shot 37.4% from three. While playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo for the last couple of years, Brook shot threes. He alleviated clogged spacing for the slashing superstar. With that successful development, he is a beneficial tool as an inside and outside presence for teams to have space in their offense.
Lopez is an Efficient Paint Scorer
While Lopez may be a good three-point shooter, he has been in the 80th percentile for post-scoring in terms of points per possession. With the New Jersey Nets, he made his career out of being a great post player and he still has that skill. In addition to his great post-scoring, he is excellent in the Pick and Roll. He is in the 75th percentile in roll man points per possession.
Championship Experience
The Bucks won the NBA Championship in 2021, and Brook started on that team. With young players on contending teams, Brook brings experience. In a championship-driven league, Brook is a figure who teaches and mentors teams on the path to being successful in the playoffs. Additionally, he found success in the playoffs. Brook went to 2 ECFs, 2 ECSFS, and 1 Final in the last few years with the Bucks. With all that experience, Brook is highly beneficial for his veteran presence.
Weaknesses and Struggles
Perimeter Defense
Lopez is not one of the quicker big men in the league, so he plays a far backdrop on his pick-and-roll coverages. Therefore, his drop into the paint makes it difficult for him to close out to shooting big men and prevent three-point shooting. Additionally, on the perimeter, he struggles as he does not have quick feet. In the playoffs, the Miami Heat took full advantage of that weakness as Jimmy Butler had his best series in the playoffs attacking Lopez.
Rebounding
Additionally, Brook averaged 6.7 rebounds at 7’1”. His lack of rebounding is concerning for building a toughness identity. With rebounding presences like Joel Embiid, Jokic, and Rudy Gobert, teams need a rebounder. He needs to be better at this.
Age
In a league where young players are doing well, Lopez’s age is a possible problem in the NBA. At 35, he is an older center. While he played very well in the last few seasons, there is a potential fear of longevity and his ability to play well for a long time. Age is always a concern, so a player in his mid 30’s is a possible concern for a championship team.
Last Words
In NBA Free Agency, Brook Lopez is an excellent player that brings a lot to the table. His shooting, experience, and defense are unique for a big in the NBA, and he is a difference maker for a championship contender. While he brings a lot of great tools, he has his weak points.
