From the moment Brook Lopez underwent back surgery earlier this season, there was rumored optimism within the Milwaukee Bucks organization that he would be back on the floor at some point this year. The Bucks have rightfully taken a cautious approach with Lopez’s ongoing rehab, and after weeks of waiting, another update on the big man has been provided.
Prior to Friday night’s tip-off against the Chicago Bulls, head coach Mike Budenholzer announced that Lopez would begin 5-on-5 scrimmaging soon. The Bucks have kept virtually everything with Lopez behind closed doors to this point, so this was certainly welcoming news. While it does not provide a specific timetable for Milwaukee’s main man in the middle, it is another step in the right direction to get him back before the postseason begins in the coming months.
Budenholzer: "Brook is going to start contact and 5-on-5 scrimmaging, which really doesn't happen much this time of year and so he hadn't had any of that yet. So he will now start having some scrimmage and contact and we'll organize that. It's another good positive step for him."
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) March 4, 2022
Instant reactions to the latest injury update from the Milwaukee Bucks regarding Brook Lopez’s back recovery
Obviously, this is welcoming news. The Bucks have been without Lopez since the season-opener against the Brooklyn Nets, having spent a good chunk of the season looking for more depth to fill in during his extended absence. DeMarcus Cousins, Greg Monroe, and Serge Ibaka have all taken a turn filling in for the champs as they have left no stone unturned in their hunt for added size under these circumstances. Bobby Portis has also done an outstanding job stepping up as the starter for the Bucks, putting up the best numbers of his career across the board.
While Portis has been great and Ibaka looks like he is finding his niche on this roster, the Bucks will undoubtedly welcome Lopez back with open arms. The big man has proven over the last few years – especially throughout Milwaukee’s title run last year – that he is arguably one of the best interior defenders in the entire association, and the Bucks have genuinely missed that this season. Getting him back before the playoffs would be a significant boost to their title chances, giving Milwaukee a crucial piece of their defensive identity that can make a major impact offensively as well. It would also send Portis back to the bench, which would certainly not be a demotion, given how impactful he proved to be off the bench last season, having earned some votes for Sixth Man of the Year.
Lopez’s return could ultimately prove to be the biggest X-factor for Milwaukee’s title chances this season. Although the Bucks could still certainly compete for a championship, things would be far more difficult if they had to do so without their typical starting center. Lopez could unlock more versatility on both sides of the ball for the Bucks, particularly on the defensive end. Though any specific date is a mystery to this point, and all fans can do is speculate, hearing that Lopez is getting on the court to begin scrimmaging is wonderful news.
Stay tuned for any incoming update surrounding Lopez’s return for the Milwaukee Bucks in the coming months as the champs gear up to defend their NBA title.