Bucks officially sign veteran center Lopez
Brook Lopez is officially a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.
The team announced that it had signed the veteran center to a contract on Tuesday. Lopez, 30, agreed to a one-year, $3,382,000 deal on July 8.
“Brook is a proven NBA center who bolsters our front line with his size and skill set,” Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a team release. “He has demonstrated the ability to stretch the floor on offense, as well as anchor the defensive end of the court.
“He’s a great teammate and we know he will be a positive addition to our roster both on and off the court.”
Lopez, who spent nine seasons with the New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets before joining the Los Angeles Lakers last season, likely will move into the Bucks' starting lineup.
The Bucks were looking to upgrade at center after inconsistent production from John Henson, Thon Maker and Tyler Zeller in the middle last season after the trade of Greg Monroe.
During his 10-year career, Lopez has averaged 17.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. He was an all-star in 2013.
In recent seasons, the 7-foot, 280pound Lopez has become an effective three-point shooter. He attempted only 31 shots from beyond the arc (making three) in his first eight seasons, but shot 246 for 712 (34.6%) over his last two.
The Bucks are hoping that versatility from Lopez will make him a good fit alongside do-everything superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
After the signings of Lopez, Ersan Ilyasova and first-round pick Donte DiVincenzo — and the departure of Jabari Parker to the Chicago Bulls — Milwaukee’s roster stands at 15 players.