Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez is having an historic season in 2018-19, but maybe not for the reasons that you might think. The seven-footer has completed the transformation of his on-court game, wholly embracing the three-point shot, which widely varies from his past NBA life. Coupling his range from behind the arc with his ability to erase shots on the defensive end of the floor, he has become the first player in league history to knock down 150 threes and swat 150 blocks in the same year, per Justin Kubatko of StatMuse.
Barring something odd occurring over Milwaukee's final 14 games, Lopez will set a new career high in blocks, having racked up 2.2 per game through his first 68 contests. He has also added 2.3 made three-point baskets on a nightly basis, just years removed from having attempted seven threes combined in his first six years in the league.
What makes Lopez such a fascinating case study was the fact that he ascended to All-Star status with the Brooklyn Nets in 2012-13 under his old style. As he witnessed the game changing around him, he adapted with the times and has stepped out beyond the three-point line, making himself a commodity for the team currently with the best record in the NBA.
Despite the fact that he's in the midst of his 11th NBA campaign, Lopez remains just 30 years older. The traditional metrics may not indicate that he's having the best season of his career, but he's certainly having the most unique season of his career and is carving out a niche with it.
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