Brook Lopez’s role as the Milwaukee Bucks continue to adapt
As the Bucks’ run has gone along, they’ve proven to be more adaptable and versatile in terms of literally switching up their different coverages. Gone are the days that the Bucks and head coach Mike Budenholzer exclusively play their drop coverage, which did catapult them to success in each of the last two regular seasons.
But it’s only fair to wonder how that has informed Brook Lopez‘s changing role this season as he previously served as the Bucks’ defensive linchpin under that way of doing things, especially as his minutes increasingly fluctuate.
Performances like the one Lopez had Thursday night versus the Knicks show he’s still capable of single-handedly barricading the rim to opponents as he finished with a season-high five blocks. The fact that it was one of the most complete defensive performances as well was far from a surprise.
With all that said, Lopez has had to adapt to defending more in space and the Bucks have placed a greater emphasis in switching and making things harder for opponents on the perimeter. That obviously has been informed by the additions the Bucks made in the offseason and their search for a defensive specialist to fill out their roster continues.
While Lopez has gone through his ups and downs in adjusting to his new role, he still is supplying his sharpshooting as he’s averaging 10.8 points while shooting 34.8 percent across his 37 appearances on the season.
Lopez still has his use on this Bucks team, even if there have been mixed results and signs of slippage in his defensive play. As the Bucks continue to come together defensively, Lopez will loom large in trying to spearhead their ascension on that end of the floor.