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Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets should sign Brook Lopez this offseason

By Michael Mannen

Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Brook Lopez is definitely a free agent the Denver Nuggets should target this offseason.

Brook Lopez is a dynamic center the Denver Nuggets should target this offseason.

The 7-foot center can shoot the three and help space the floor. Lopez does not need the ball in his hands to be effective. This makes him extremely valuable for the Nuggets because Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are very ball dominant.

Brook Lopez has been far more effective for the Milwaukee Bucks than for the Los Angeles Lakers because he has been given more playing time with the Bucks and has taken on more responsibility. He is shooting over 50 percent more three-point shots and spending less time in the paint. This season, Lopez has reduced his two-point attempts by nearly 45% from last season.  However, Brook Lopez on average takes fewer field goal attempts than last season.

This season Lopez is shooting a career high from three-point range. He was also an active offensive rebounder for the Bucks.

Brook Lopez could come off the bench for the Nuggets and be the backup center behind Jokic. This season, the Nuggets’ bench only averaged 27 PPG in the playoffs and 37.7 PPG during the regular season.  The Nuggets’ bench ranked 13th in the NBA in three-point attempts. Even worst, the Nuggets’ bench ranked 15th in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage.

The Nuggets need more three-point shooters. Lopez would be perfect for filling this role.

Lopez could start alongside Joker and mainly function as a three-point shooter on the wing. Lopez also fits in perfectly as a power forward for the Nuggets.

On defense, Brook Lopez can guard the three-point line and the paint. This is rare for a center.

Last season,  Brook Lopez signed a 1 year / $3,382,000 deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. There are 47 centers in the NBA that are paid more money than Lopez. However, there are not 47 other centers in the NBA better than Lopez.

Lopez’s versatility makes him a perfect target to improve Denver’s bench.