Everybody’s talking about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s outstanding season or Khris Middleton’s breakout year, but, truth to be told, we should be giving Brook Lopez a lot of credit as well for the Milwaukee Buck’s impressive season.
Lopez completely changed his game and his newly-found three-point stroke was a major plus for Mike Budenholzer’s offense, as it truly allowed him to play with the pace and space he wanted to establish for the team.
Now, he’s either going continue to give up on a lot of money in order to compete for a Championship or pursue a very lucrative deal as he enters free agency. But, where could he thrive the most? Where should he go? Let’s break it down.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have a strong core and one of the best basketball masterminds in the world. Also, they have plenty of cap space to make a run at a superstar or two, and then sign Brook Lopez with the spare cash.
Lopez could come off the bench or even be the team’s starting center with Montrezl Harrell and Ivica Zubac rounding up the frontcourt, and the Clippers, need shooters, so this one’s a match made in heaven, to be honest.
4. San Antonio Spurs
If someone knows how to make the most of aging players, that’s definitely Gregg Popovich, and Brook Lopez’ skill set is tailor-made for the San Antonio Spurs, especially playing next to a guy like LaMarcus Aldridge.
Lopez is a willing screener, a great shooter, and an underrated playmaker as well, so he’d be everything they’d hope Pau Gasol was going to be for them all along. Also, his sharpshooting skills make him a need for Pop’s team.
3. Atlanta Hawks
Ok, the Atlanta Hawks may not be the most appealing destination for him, Championship-wise, but they’re in a prime position to offer him a ton of cash and he could even join them on a short-term deal and then demand a trade once he draws interest from a contender.
Trae Young is a master of the pick and roll already and Lopez’ presence could help them be one of the most entertaining offenses in the league, even if they’re not in the mix for a playoff spot. Also, that’s the last chance he’ll have to sign a big figure contract.
2. Dallas Mavericks
Rick Carslile also knows how to properly use big men, and Brook Lopez’ style is something he’s quite fond of. With him on board, Kristaps Porzingis could slide to the power forward spot, and they’d have a modern version of the twin towers.
The Mavericks have one of the most promising young cores in the league and look just a piece or two away from making the playoffs. It may be a long shot, but he could get paid big time and also try to compete with them.
1. Milwaukee Bucks
And, given how well he fared this season, why not just running back next year? Mike Budenholzer helped him, and the Bucks look poised for Championship contention again next season.
As a matter of fact, he could even get a major raise next season if the team wind up striking out on Khris Middleton, even though everybody would love them to regroup and see them come back stronger next year.
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