Milwaukee Bucks: Brook Lopez finding his footing after the All-Star break

There were some justifiable concerns about Brook Lopez’s play coming out of the gate for the Milwaukee Bucks this season.

Entering the second season of his four-year, $52 million contract with the franchise, the big man struggled immensely to find any rhythm early on. Lopez’s production on the offensive end had been at an all-time low throughout parts of the season leading up to the All-Star break, and his defensive stature had also been slipping.

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Despite racking up his first All-Defensive selection last season, the 32-year-old regressed significantly this year.

Part of this regression stems from the fact that head coach Mike Budenholzer has willingly embraced taking other defensive approaches this season compared to their typical drop-back scheme that allowed the center to be so successful. The team has been much more comfortable switching defensively this year, which has made the big man obsolete at times.

Lopez has notably been absent from the floor in several close-game scenarios for the Bucks this season, which certainly sparked some conversation about his fit with the team moving forward. With so many question marks surrounding him, Lopez has quieted those concerns as he came out of the All-Star break looking rejuvenated.

Brook Lopez is playing his best basketball for the Milwaukee Bucks this season since the All-Star break.

Perhaps all the 32-year-old needed to get back on the right track was a week off to catch up on some much-needed rest.

In Milwaukee’s last six games following the break, Lopez has been scoring more frequently with his fresh legs by racking up 15 points per game. Per NBA.com/stats, he has done most of his work close to the basket, shooting 16-of-21 (76.2 percent) from inside the restricted area and 8-of-13 (61.5 percent) outside of the restricted area in the paint.

With Lopez equipping the long ball to his offensive arsenal since joining the Bucks, it is a rarity that when gets most of his looks inside. When asked about his recent post-production and whether that opens up the rest of his game, Lopez’s answer was simple:

"“It definitely does and I think that just goes for the whole team honestly. Just being assertive and aggressive, attacking the rim. I think it’s really kind of a contagious thing, it kind of gets the ball moving, you penetrate, kick it, and it just continues and continues. It keeps building, it’s great for the whole team.”"

While Lopez’s recent scoring barrage at the basket has been stellar, he has not been able to translate that same success to the outside. The seven-footer is shooting just 8-of-29 (27.6 percent) from 3-point territory since the break, struggling mightily to find any sense of rhythm from distance. Yet, his offense has been great in these six contests due to the work he has been able to do inside.

The former All-Defensive honoree has also picked up the slack defensively by notching 1.7 blocked shots per game in this little run. This included a season-high five blocks in a recent win over the New York Knicks where Lopez was fantastic defensively from start to finish.

All in all, Lopez is currently averaging 15 points on a .492/.276/.857 slash line, 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game post All-Star break. Those are certainly solid numbers from Milwaukee’s man in the middle, and they will need him to keep these efforts consistent as the second half of the season continues.

It seems that Brook Lopez and the Bucks are starting to click at just the right time, and those seven days off thanks to the All-Star break undoubtedly helped.