The recent announcement that Gary Harris will don the No. 11 jersey for the Milwaukee Bucks has ignited a fervent discussion among fans and analysts alike: should the franchise retire Brook Lopez’s number, honoring his indelible seven-season tenure? This move by the team has brought Lopez’s profound impact on the Bucks’ recent success into sharp focus, prompting a reevaluation of his legacy within the storied franchise’s history.
Lopez, a cornerstone of the Bucks since 2018, was instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and achieving significant milestones. His contributions extended beyond mere statistics; he played a pivotal role in the Bucks’ triumphant 2021 championship run, evolving into a potent three-point threat from the center position and earning two coveted NBA All-Defensive Team selections. Furthermore, Lopez was a key contributor to the team’s victory in the 2024 NBA Cup, solidifying his status as a vital component of a successful era.
Over his 469 regular season games with the Milwaukee Bucks, including 466 starts, Brook Lopez consistently showcased his versatility and impact. His offensive prowess was evident in his 35.7% shooting accuracy from beyond the three-point arc, contributing an average of 13.0 points per game. Equally impressive was his defensive presence, averaging a formidable 2.1 blocks per game, establishing himself as a formidable rim protector.
Lopez’s statistical achievements place him among the Milwaukee Bucks’ all-time greats in several key categories. He concluded his career in Milwaukee ranked second in franchise history for total blocked shots and third in blocks per game. Moreover, his evolution into a reliable long-range shooter saw him finish fourth in both three-pointers made and attempted, underscoring his unique skill set for a player of his size and position.
Before cementing his legacy with the Bucks, Brook Lopez had a distinguished career that included significant stints with the New Jersey and Brooklyn Nets, where he remains the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. He also spent one season with the Los Angeles Lakers. This broader career context highlights his consistent high-level performance and enduring impact across multiple NBA teams, adding weight to the current debate surrounding his jersey retirement in Milwaukee.
The tradition of jersey retirement within the Milwaukee Bucks organization has seen varied timelines for its enshrined legends. Icons like Marques Johnson and Bob Dandridge, a key member of the 1971 Bucks championship team, saw their No. 10 retired only in 2015, decades after their playing days. In contrast, most other Bucks’ retired players were immortalized in the rafters within a year of their NBA retirement, with the notable exception of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose No. 33 was added in 1993.
Typically, NBA franchises exercise patience in retiring a player’s jersey, often waiting until the individual has concluded their entire playing career in the league. This protocol allows for a comprehensive assessment of a player’s complete contributions and legacy before a permanent honor is bestowed. The Milwaukee Bucks, adhering to this general guideline, have not yet made an official statement regarding Brook Lopez’s potential jersey retirement, with a team spokesperson not responding to recent inquiries.
Despite the lack of an immediate decision, the news of Gary Harris wearing No. 11 has unmistakably fueled the discourse regarding whether any player should ever wear that number again for a franchise and city where Brook Lopez forged such a significant legacy. His impact stands alongside other beloved figures who have departed the team, such as Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, further emphasizing the depth of his contributions. The Bucks currently boast 10 retired jersey numbers, including the league-wide retirement of No. 6 in honor of NBA legend Bill Russell, alongside nine other distinguished franchise figures.
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