3 – Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez arrived in Milwaukee as an old-fashioned, back-to-basket type scorer that played mainly in the post. He still remains the Brooklyn Nets’ all-time leading scorer but the transformation he made when on the Milwaukee Bucks is phenomenal. He may be the complete opposite player to when he started.
Lopez still has those fundamental big-man skills, playing in the low post and backing down defenders to score the ball. Now he is a perimeter scorer, shooting .351 from deep during his Milwaukee career. Add to that his most recent selection to the All-Defensive First Team, and he is the perfect fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo with his ability to be able to stretch the floor.
He was integral to the 2021 title-winning team and creates the best defensive frontcourt in the game with their size and ability to clog the paint. He may only average 5.4 rebounds in Milwaukee, but that is because Giannis’ athleticism tends to mean he dominates the glass more.
Lopez is a huge piece for the Bucks and for Giannis as they complement each other so well. This offseason he did sign a massive two-year extension so we get to see more of the stretch big.