Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters, including Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, that center Brook Lopez has been cleared to practice five-on-five with contact. It’s great news for both Lopez and the team, as he’s been sidelined indefinitely following back surgery to address a bulging disc in his lower back on December 2.
“He will now start having some scrimmage and contact and we’ll organize that,” Budenholzer said. “It’s another good, positive step for him on his return to play.”
As Owczarski relays, Budenholzer said that the team’s G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, will likely temporarily relocate from Oshkosh to Milwaukee in order for Lopez to get the practice reps he needs. Owczarski notes that the Herd are off from Sunday through Friday next week, which should allow Lopez a good opportunity for full contact work.
Lopez, 33, appeared in the Bucks’ season opener and has been out ever since. He played a key role in the team’s championship run last season, starting all 23 playoff games while averaging 13 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks on .548/.319/.860 shooting.
The Bucks have missed Lopez’s interior presence this season, especially on defense. They’ve dropped to 13th in defensive rating after ranking first, first and 10th the past three seasons.
Milwaukee’s coach also provided injury updates on George Hill and Pat Connaughton, per Owczarski. Hill has missed 12 straight games with neck soreness (including Friday against Chicago), but he’s getting close to a return. “I think we’re hopeful that he’ll play in the next week,” Budenholzer said.
Connaughton, meanwhile, is progressing in his rehab. He’s two-plus weeks removed from a fracture on his right hand, which is expected to keep him out at least four weeks. “I think more just following the timeline as expected is positive,” Budenholzer said, according to Owczarski. “He’s been able to kind of do a little bit more as the week has passed, but it’s still got a little ways to go.”
Maybe this post will humiliate a bunch of so called Warriors fans. Talented big men are hard to find. I get so tired of listening those wannabes that think any old 7 footer will guarantee them a Championship. Lopez will show how stupid some of these morons are.
Connaughton is in rehab? I had no idea…hope he’s ok
Rehab is short for rehabilitation, which is what a player does to regain strength after an injury. Sometimes words have more than one meaning!
Huh? Addiction is a disease but injury is an odd choice of words, “lexijawn”…otherwise agree though.
Hopefully he can regain the strength to move forward. I give him a lot of credit.
Summary nails it. Brook’s interior D is what they are missing the most. If he can get back 90-95% of it then the Bucks will become a legit defender of the crown. Need Pat as well because their bench is a trash fire right now. To beat CHI, the Big 3 played the entire 4th quarter or close to it. That is not sustainable. Ibaka has been a huge disappointment to date.
Great news for Bucks. They can use another big. Especially for playoffs. All I would do, considering he’s a vet. Is make sure he is healthy and ready for playoffs. Bucks with a full squad. Still are team to beat in East. Do not undersell them ……..
A healthy squad is for the playoffs will be a welcome sight. The regular seasons importance is somewhat diminished. Anywhere in the top 4 seeding is all they need to accomplish.
Should be a good run up to the playoffs and then the real show begins. This an anybody can win it kind of year.