Milwaukee Bucks: Complete grades for the 2019 NBA offseason
By Jordan Foote
4. Robin Lopez signing
Jon Horst used the Bucks’ mid-level cap exception (MLE) to form the second duo of brothers on the team.
Bringing in Robin Lopez to reunite with his twin brother Brook Lopez for the first time since their college playing days at Stanford, Milwaukee’s backup center situation is no longer a question mark.
On the offensive end, Robin couldn’t be more different than his brother. Floor spacing will be compromised when he’s on the court, as 37 percent of his shot attempts came at the rim last season.
Not showing any signs of developing a 3-point shot, he is what he is on that end of the court.
RoLo earns his money with his defensive performance. Although his defense isn’t what it used to be, Lopez is still a clear positive on that end and when his brother Brook leaves the game, there shouldn’t be any worry about opposing offenses being able to attack the paint.
Averaging a respectable 1.7 blocks per 36 minutes with the Bulls a year ago, the newest Buck will bolster the middle of the second unit’s defense.
Lopez’s contract includes a player option for the 2020-21 season. Regardless of whether he chooses to accept or decline it, acquiring a defense-first backup big with the MLE was a savvy move by the Milwaukee front office.
In a championship-or-bust season, the Bucks will take all the extra help they can get.
Grade: A-