Blocks
The Bucks ranked second in the NBA in blocks per game and generally defended the rim at an exceptionally high level. One of the core principles of Milwaukee’s league best defense was to deny looks at the rim, and they were incredibly well-equipped to execute on that front.
What’s intriguing heading into the new season is that the Bucks’ offseason additions have led to even greater size inside, and an even more robust collection of shot blockers to call upon.
3rd: Robin Lopez
Speaking of new additions, Robin Lopez is a lock to push his way into the conversation for leading Bucks’ shot-blocker. That much has already been made evident by Robin’s four blocks through the Bucks’ first two preseason games, but has further been forged across an already lengthy career as a defensive specialist.
Robin has averaged 1.2 blocks in 23.0 minutes per game across the course of his career to date, and even with reduced minutes off the bench, the nature of the Bucks’ defense to funnel the action his way could well lead to him posting similar numbers in Milwaukee this year.
2nd: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Much like with his steals, Giannis’ block numbers last season didn’t quite hit the heights he’d once reached. A large part of that equation was the arrival of Brook Lopez as a frontcourt partner, though, as the pair made for a perfect tandem defensively, combining for 3.7 blocks per game.
Lopez’s imposing nature, and the construction of the Bucks’ scheme, takes the pressure of Giannis to anchor Milwaukee’s defense from the paint. Instead, he can roam and essentially clean up across the court. That may not lead to him leading the Bucks in blocks this year, but he should still have no shortage of rejections as he closes out on shooters, helps from the weak side, and chases down in transition.
1st: Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez finished last season averaging 2.2 blocks per game, and ranking fourth overall in the NBA. That mark represented a new career-high for Brook, and yet there’s no reason to believe that he won’t prove capable of repeating or even surpassing that mark this time around.
Brook has averaged 1.7 blocks per game for his career to date, and yet his team’s defense has never been constructed to amplify his strengths quite like it has been since his arrival in Milwaukee. The Bucks are set up to be just as good, if not better defensively, and Lopez’s shot blocking will both contribute to and benefit from that.
Who do you think will be the Bucks’ stat leaders this season? Let us know on social media.