Milwaukee Bucks: Panic or patience on three struggling Bucks
By Dalton Sell
Panic or patience on three struggling Milwaukee Bucks: Brook Lopez
Through the first few games of the season, Brook Lopez has struggled on the offensive end as the Bucks’ starting center. The big man is currently averaging just 9.7 points while shooting 41.4 percent from the floor thus far, both career-lows throughout his ongoing 12-year NBA career.
While it is easy to get caught up in these struggles, Lopez is also making a positive impact in other areas. Currently shooting 35.1 percent from behind the arc on 5.3 attempts per game, he is showing a much-improved stroke compared to last season. That floor spacing is crucial for the Bucks, particularly when Lopez is paired up with Antetokounmpo. Although inconsistent, it is welcoming to see the seven-footer knocks down the long-ball at an efficient rate overall.
Although the team’s drop-back defensive philosophy has its share of issues, Lopez has done his part as the man in the middle. Milwaukee’s paint defense has held up this season, currently allowing the fourth-fewest opponent’s points in the paint at 42.6 per game.
Overall, it is not time to start panicking about Brook Lopez quite yet. Although he is not putting up phenomenal numbers offensively, he is shooting efficiently from long-range and holding down the fort defensively.