Should Milwaukee Bucks Covet Tyson Chandler or Brook Lopez More in Free Agency?
After a surprisingly successful season that was unexpected, even amongst diehard fans, the Milwaukee Bucks head into the heart of summer with every intention of making a big splash during the free-agency period. In fact, two well-known names are on the radar: Tyson Chandler and Brook Lopez.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Bucks plan on pursuing the two veteran big men come July 1, and there's certainly good reason for that. Both Chandler and Lopez are former All-Stars, and their signing would address a major pain point for the team: the center position.
But which player would be best for the young Bucks?
First, let's dive into the pros and cons of each player and then come to a conclusion.
Tyson Chandler
At 32 years old, Chandler isn't exactly in the prime of his career. However, the 14-year veteran turned in a very solid 2014-15 season for the Dallas Mavericks and still has plenty of years left in the tank.
Appearing in 75 games and playing 30.5 minutes per game, he averaged 10.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while converting 66.6 percent of his field-goal attempts.
His prowess on the glass would be a huge benefit for the Bucks, who finished 24th in total rebounds on the season. Meanwhile, Chandler's offensive rebounding percentage of 14.1 ranked sixth and his defensive rebounding percentage of 27.4 was also good enough for sixth.
Not only that, but for someone who doesn't possess a vast offensive arsenal, Chandler ranked 11th in offensive win shares, proving his value on that end of the floor.
Most importantly, he fits the mold of the team's current roster where athleticism is aplenty.
Getting up and down the floor quickly, and with ease, is a trait any incoming big man will ideally possess. Chandler can do those things, and he's efficient when he does get the ball in a position to score (via lobs and putbacks).
Earning just over $14.5 million last season, concerns about overpaying a player his age are certainly legitimate. However, if Jason Kidd—a former teammate of Chandler—can woo him and ultimately convince him of taking a slight salary cut (of a couple million), this is a move that has to be made.
While DeAndre Jordan would be the ultimate acquisition, it's one that's not realistic. And considering that, Chandler may be the next best option.
Brook Lopez
When healthy, Lopez is a prolific scorer in the post. In fact, he may be one of the league's best big men when it comes to operating with his back to the basket.
In 2014-15, Lopez was pretty healthy, appearing in 72 games and averaging 17.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks on 51.3 percent shooting from the floor. Clearly, the 27-year-old asserted himself on the offensive end. Defensively, he isn't on the same level as Chandler in terms of weak-side help, but he can hold his own and does a solid job of blocking shots.
One area where Lopez struggles some, given his size, is on the boards.
Despite averaging 7.4 boards, his rebounding percentage last season was just 12.5. Meanwhile, Chandler was up at an impressive 20.7 percent. With the aforementioned struggles the Bucks have rebounding, Chandler has a clear advantage in this area.
But Lopez's offensive arsenal is impressive and would give the team a legitimate option scoring in the paint, which is something they have been lacking for far too long.
Obviously, Lopez is also younger. Looking forward toward the future, that's something that seems better on paper. But given his injury history, that may not be much of an advantage.
Signing Lopez, who has a player option for $16.8 million next season, would likely cost the Bucks a pretty penny. That number, which is likely what he would be seeking outside of Brooklyn, would be tough to stomach for a guy who has trouble staying on the floor.
The Winner
Choosing between Chandler and Lopez really is a tough decision. Both players have their pros and cons, and both offer styles of play that drastically differ from one another.
Chandler is going to provide the Bucks with a bit of grit. He mixes things up in the paint, grabs rebounds, runs the floor and quietly plays a major role in victories.
On the other hand, Lopez is an incredibly gifted offensive talent. He operates in the post as well as anyone in the league, and when he's healthy, he is one of the best centers in the game from that perspective. However, he's not a great rebounder, and he's not the type of player who is built for getting up and down the court.
Ultimately, despite age, Chandler is the better fit for the current roster.
He can cover the court in transition, is a solid defender and is consistently one of the most efficient rebounders in the league. And while his offensive game isn't the greatest, he positions himself well and is often the beneficiary of dump downs off of penetration.
Not to mention, he'd probably eat up less cap space than Lopez would.
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