Bucks Cornerstone Gets Honest About Changes Under Doc Rivers

However, Lopez’s defensive role was highlighted when Griffin was let go.

The Bucks opted for a switch-heavy defense under Griffin. Consequently, a shot-blocker accustomed to standing sentinel in the paint was put in an uncomfortable position. Had the paradoxical scheme worked, Griffin may have been hailed as a genius. Instead, he looked delusional, as the Bucks’ defense fell to the bottom-10 in defensive rating.

Was Griffin Expecting Changes?

It must be mentioned that when Griffin was hired on Jun. 7 Milwaukee still had Holiday.

Holiday has long had the strength and technique necessary for a switch-heavy defense. While their acquisition of Damian Lillard raised their offensive ceiling due to his explosive scoring numbers, he’s a notoriously poor defender. Not just when he’s switching onto bigger players, but when he’s guarding players his size as well.

Furthermore, Lopez was highly coveted by the Houston Rockets. Even before Griffin was hired, Lopez was being linked to the Southwestern squad. Whether Griffin anticipated Lopez leaving is hard to say. However, it took the big man several days to re-sign with the Bucks, indicating there was something to the rumor.

As for who could fit the defensive scheme that Milwaukee eventually deployed, then free agent Draymond Green may have been an option.

Green grew up a few hours away from Milwaukee, in Saginaw, MI. With his ability to switch against multiple defenders, it’s possible Griffin foresaw a player like Green in his scheme rather than Lopez. To that end, there was thinking that several championship contenders would have an interest in the aging playmaker.

Minnesota Timberwolves big man Naz Reid is another option. Athletic and aggressive, Reid may have been perfect for Griffin’s scheme. Though a pricy option, the Timberwolves may have agreed to a sign-and-trade that brought them a much-needed 3-point threat in Middleton.

Despite this possibility, the best coaches adapt to their personnel. Ultimately, Griffin’s most glaring mistake was that he failed to do that for either Lillard or Lopez.

Defensive Improvements

Now going back to a drop scheme that allows Lopez to play to his natural strengths, the Bucks’ defense still has performed well. In the last 15 games, they’ve held opponents to 107.1 points per game (8th in the NBA). Their defensive rating (109.9) is tied for fifth in the NBA.

“He’s changed us a lot. He’s given us a great energy and a great confidence. Things have been simplified. We have a lot of people on the same page right now.”

Lopez says the difference has “been incredibly noticeable.”

“It’s just trust,” Lopez continues. “It’s trust. It changes your defensive mentality when you know you have someone behind you that is going to have your back.”

“You’re not getting ‘blown by’ beat,” he explains as he discusses the merits of having a shot-blocker in the backline defense. “But you’re into your guy and you’re making it difficult for him. If he happens to get by you, someone is going to be there to back you up.”

“It can be a little uncomfortable to be up there and vulnerable like that,” Lopez admits. “But you have to have that trust.”