3 things for Milwaukee Bucks fans to look forward to in 2022

Milwaukee Bucks fans can look forward to the return of Brook Lopez in 2022

One of the primary reasons fans have been stressing themselves over fake trades the last couple of months is due to the uncertain health status of Brook Lopez. The big man underwent back surgery and it’s unclear when he’ll return.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe recently mentioned on his podcast that there is optimism within the Bucks organization that Lopez will be back before the playoffs and potentially even before that. While it’s unclear exactly how good Lopez will be when he returns, there will certainly be a sigh of relief from fans and players alike when he does make his return.

The Bucks have had to make some adjustments to their defense without Lopez. Fellow big man Bobby Portis has stepped in and done a very admirable job, to say the least, but it has forced the Bucks to be more aggressive in their pick and roll coverages.

It has also forced Giannis Antetokounmpo to play a bigger role as a rim protector, which he has done very well. He’s played a larger percentage of his minutes at center than ever before in his career and although it took some getting used to, he has thrived and is once again in the thick of the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.

Still, the loss of Lopez has caused some rather aggressive debates on Bucks Twitter regarding the backup center role and who should fill it. I’ll be honest, if Lopez isn’t back and playing to at least 80 percent of his capability, it doesn’t matter who the backup is behind Bobby Portis. Let’s just stop with the Lopez trades, please.