The Milwaukee Bucks finally got some clarity regarding the back soreness of Brook Lopez, and it is not the news that many hoped to hear.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Lopez underwent successful back surgery yesterday and will be out indefinitely. Lopez has been sidelined since the first game of the 2021-22 season against the Brooklyn Nets, a game where he notched eight points, five rebounds, and three blocks. With the free agent acquisition of DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins earlier this week, the Bucks have added a little more help at the center spot. However, other players will need to step up in order to supplement Lopez’s rim-protecting abilities. With that said, here are three players who can step up during Lopez’s extended absence.
DeMarcus Cousins could see a large workload shortly after signing with the Milwaukee Bucks
Boogie Cousins, the newest member of the Bucks, will likely see an increased workload in Lopez’s absence. Cousins played his first game in Milwaukee on Wednesday night in a victory over the Charlotte Hornets. In that game, Cousins put up a solid showing as he tallied seven points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 15 minutes of action. Cousins also tied with George Hill for the highest +/- with a +9 for the game.
Cousins has certainly been a journeyman, playing for five different teams in his career. Now in Milwaukee, he has been given an excellent opportunity. The Bucks needed a second center with so much uncertainty surrounding Lopez. The answer was Boogie, but he has now been thrust into a primary role. While Bobby Portis may get the starting nod over Cousins in his first few games, we could see Cousins take a leap into the starting rotation. Cousins looked surprisingly solid in his Bucks debut, considering that it was his first game of the year for any team. If his performances continue to keep up, he could be someone who takes a big step forward in Lopez’s absence.
Boogie has been put in a position to succeed and earn himself a spot in the rotation. Cousins will arguably be the most important piece while Lopez is sidelined. While Cousins may not be able to replicate Lopez’s rim protection, he could be a serviceable defender due to his large stature. Whatever the case may be, Cousins will need to be one of the main players who step up while filling in for Lopez.
Bobby Portis will be a key piece in filling the center spot for the Milwaukee Bucks in Lopez’s absence
Portis has become a fan favorite, and it is no question as to why. Portis has become a sort of utilityman for Milwaukee, and he has done an excellent job in a variety of positions. His grit and tenacity make him a key piece to the Bucks frontcourt. Now, with Lopez sidelined indefinitely, he will be a key piece to the fullest extent.
Portis has largely taken over the role as Milwaukee’s starting center ever since Lopez’s injury. The Underdog is a scrappy defender and has a great ability to space the floor. Portis is primarily seen as a power forward but has done a serviceable job while filling in for Lopez at the five. However, as a power forward, it is difficult to stay at the five for a considerable amount of time. That is why head coach Mike Budenholzer will experiment with switching Giannis Antetokounmpo and Portis at the five. Nonetheless, Portis will likely be called to action as a starting center, at least for now. With the addition of Boogie Cousins, it’s likely we could see Portis take less of a workload at the five. However, his minutes in that position will be extremely important.
While Portis doesn’t have the rim-protecting ability of Lopez, he does have the scoring ability. Due to Portis’ intensity on both ends of the floor, he is able to cash in on easy buckets in the paint going against bigger-bodied defenders. If Portis is looking to step up in his role, he will primarily need to step up in his scoring. The defensive question marks can be answered with Giannis as the help defender, but he will need to be able to make those easy baskets down low. Portis has had plenty of success this season down low, and he will need to continue this going forward.
Portis has filled his role nicely in Lopez’s absence. With the news that Lopez will miss even more time, look for Portis to be a key piece in Milwaukee’s frontcourt going forward.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will be important on both ends for the Milwaukee Bucks in Brook Lopez’s absence
Antetokounmpo has seen plenty of time at the five this season ever since Lopez’s injury. When the Bucks roll out small-ball lineups, you will likely see him down low as the center. Giannis has found success in his role, but he made it very clear that it takes a toll. However, with the Boogie signing, it is likely we see less of him at the five. That said, he will still be incredibly important on both ends of the floor.
There isn’t much to say about the two-time MVP that hasn’t already been said. His excellence on both ends has made him draw plenty of praise. Antetokounmpo has thrived at scoring around the rim. Whether it be playing at the four or the five, he has found crafty ways to score. In his time at the five, he has provided the best rim protection out of the available big men for Milwaukee. While his time at the five may come down, he will still be critical around the rim on offense and defense.
Giannis is an excellent help defender. In fact, in his GQ interview, Antetokounmpo said that he is the best help defender in the NBA. That certainly passes the eye test, and his help defense will be critical going forward. As discussed before, Portis has some question marks on the defensive end when it comes to matching up against big men. However, if Antetokounmpo is the help defender, the Bucks will be primed for solid defense down low. Everyone knows his abilities on the offensive end, and that will certainly be important. But, his elite defense will be crucial to securing sound rim protection in Lopez’s absence.
Antetokounmpo may see less time at the five, but his impact on both ends will be critical to Milwaukee’s success. Lopez has been an important piece to the Bucks’ success. While we won’t see him for an extended period, Milwaukee has plenty of options to keep them afloat until his return. Cousins, Portis, and Antetokounmpo will be extremely important going forward.
Keep your eye on these three players as the season progresses, and let’s hope all goes well for Lopez’s rehab.