Lately, all of the trade chatter surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks has involved their connection to some of the most prominent names on the market.
While someone like Jimmy Butler or Zach LaVine could certainly help this team, neither player can help patch one of Milwaukee's prominent issues, which is their lack of athleticism at the center spot. For most of the season, younger, more athletic teams have feasted on the Bucks because the duo of Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis simply cannot keep up, and it discombobulates the defense entirely.
Though only half of that duo was in action against the San Antonio Spurs, there was no denying just how much this issue factored into the matchup.
Spurs feasted on Bucks big man Brook Lopez
The Spurs clearly wanted to target Brook Lopez defensively in this game, considering they did it time and time again. Whether it was rookie Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson or whoever else is capable of handling the ball, the Spurs saw success more often than not whenever they pulled Lopez away from the hoop and forced him to guard them on the perimeter.
Lopez, the 36-year-old who weighs 282 pounds, simply could not stay attached as the young Spurs blew past him consistently, often converting for an easy finish at the hoop. While many would argue that the same would have happened had Portis been there, Doc Rivers couldn't at least try switching things up due to Portis being out as he continues dealing with a personal issue.
Rivers tried to combat this issue by giving Giannis Antetokounmpo time at center, and while some of Milwaukee's prominent success came in those instances, it simply wasn't sustainable. Whenever the 7-footer checked back in, the Spurs lit up with excitement, and understandably so.
While Lopez's defensive struggles were not the lone issue in Milwaukee's gruesome 144-118 loss to San Antonio, it was arguably the biggest takeaway.
It's been known for months now that the tandem of Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis simply does not mesh as well as it once did. As long as they are both in the rotation, these young teams will continue feasting on Milwaukee's defense due to the lack of switch-ability and mobility. This issue is important after this game particularly because the NBA Trade Deadline is now just days away.
The Bucks need an athletic big man, and they need it now
With the February 6 trade deadline nearing, the window is closing for this team to patch one of its most prominent issues. Standing pat with this center rotation could be a nightmare, especially as teams like the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, two top Eastern Conference competitors, have centers who have given Lopez and Portis plenty of trouble this season. Change is needed.
The one trade target Bucks fans keep trying to will into existence is Robert Williams III, and there is plenty to like about the fit in Milwaukee. Despite a slew of injuries over the years, Williams has shown in limited minutes this season that he can still jump out of the gym for blocks and dunks. He can also defend players of all shapes and sizes, as he moves rather well.
Williams is currently rumored to be available, and the Milwaukee Bucks would be wise to put in an offer for him. He might not be the only athletic big man out there who could help this team, and the front office will likely weigh their options. However, no matter what, they have to do something. If not, this issue could very well continue to plague this team every game.
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