3 Non-superstars who will determine the outcome of the 2024-25 Bucks
By Dalton Sell
Brook Lopez
There was a lot of chatter about the Milwaukee Bucks wanting to move on from Brook Lopez after the season he just had. One could argue that he certainly took a step back in terms of impact. However, it could also be argued that a lot of that was due to the schemes he was put in defensively and the lack of reliable defenders around him that made his job that much harder. Both sides have valid points.
It appears the Bucks will be keeping Lopez as their starting center for the time being. At 36 years old, Lopez is climbing up there in age, and one might wonder how much longer he can continue being the dominant interior menace that has anchored this defense for years. To win a championship this year, they need the Lopez who finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2022-23.
If Lopez regresses defensively, it's going to hurt this team tremendously, especially with the added workload that would put on Giannis Antetokounmpo's shoulders. He'll never be the quickest or most mobile big man, but if Lopez still has it in him to contest shots at the hoop and deter opponents from making their way to the rim, it will help this team mightily on the defensive end.
Milwaukee's newcomers should help elevate Lopez's defense. Last year, the absence of perimeter defenders allowed opponents to waltz right to the rim, giving him less time to set himself up for a good contest. However, players like Delon Wright, Taurean Prince and even Gary Trent Jr. can be of some use by providing resistance on the perimeter, slowing players down before they get to Lopez.
In addition to needing him to be up to par defensively, Lopez's offense will also be a useful tool to the Bucks. In arguably the most talented starting five he's ever been a part of, Lopez might find himself getting more open looks than he ever has before, especially from three. If he can capitalize and hit his triples at an efficient rate, it will make this Milwaukee offense all the more lethal.