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Milwaukee Bucks: 8 centers still available in free agency

By Brian Sampson

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives on Aron Baynes #46 of the Toronto Raptors during a game at Amalie Arena on January 27, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives on Aron Baynes #46 of the Toronto Raptors during a game at Amalie Arena on January 27, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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The Milwaukee Bucks have a Brook Lopez problem on their hands, as their starting center hasn’t played since the season-opener with no timetable for a return. In fact, the Bucks are holding their cards close to their vest and haven’t released any specific details about Lopez other than it’s a back injury.

Although he’s just one of the many injured players Milwaukee has had to work around this season, everyone else besides Donte DiVincenzo has now returned. His absence has been a nuisance for the Bucks who only have two other NBA-quality bigs on their roster in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis.

Neither guy is built to be a full-time center and both are probably better as the 4 or in limited time at the 5. While many fans have clamored for the Bucks to sign a free agent or make a move with the roster, general manager Jon Horst has continued to sit on his hands.

They surely have more information about Lopez’s back and a timetable for his return (fingers crossed), but the signs have been ominous thus far. Part of the reason could be the lackluster options available through free agency. None of these guys are going to be difference-makers, but let’s take a look at eight of the best free agent centers still available.

If the Milwaukee Bucks want to pursue a center in free agency to fill Brook Lopez’s spot, here are eight of the best options.

8. Luke Kornet

At 7-foot-2, Luke Kornet is a big dude. I mean, what else do you want me to say about his basketball abilities? He’s bounced around the league in his four seasons and the bad teams he’s been on have always been worse when he’s on the court (with the exception of last year in Boston). He’ll get you a few blocks when he’s on the court, but is one of the worst rebounders at his position.

7. Jahlil Okafor

Jahlil Okafor was once an up-and-coming traditional back-to-the-basket big man until the game suddenly changed on him and he was left in the dust. He has failed to adjust to the three-point game of today’s NBA and, combined with his porous defense, it’s been hard for him to get on the court.

6. Bismack Biyombo

Bismack Biyombo is a bit of the opposite of Okafor, at least when it comes to defense. He may be undersized, but he works very hard on that end of the floor and flies all over the court. Unfortunately, he has very little offense to speak of and his defense has fallen off a cliff in recent seasons.

5. Jordan Bell

I’m somewhat surprised to see Jordan Bell as a free agent still. He’s sort of a jack of all trades type dude who can do a little bit of everything–rebound, pass, and play defense. I guess it’s his lack of shooting ability and the fact that he’s undersized (he’s only 6-foot-8) that has made life on an NBA floor difficult for him.

4. Harry Giles

After having a very high ceiling as an NBA prospect, injuries derailed Harry Giles’ career before it ever even got off the ground. He’s rarely flashed the ability to become a scorer at the NBA level, but has never been able to sustain that. At this point, injuries have sapped a lot of what he had to offer.

3. John Henson

Here’s a blast from the past. When Mike Budenholzer first took over as head coach of the Bucks, John Henson was with the team and began shooting threes before a midseason trade. He was never able to sustain that shooting and now hasn’t been in the NBA since the 2019-20 season. Injuries and a lack of strength have cost him.

2. DeMarcus Cousins

A lot of fans are clamoring for the signing of DeMarcus Cousins, mostly based on his name. However, this isn’t a guy I would want on the Bucks. He’s lost the elite offensive game he once had and provides very little on defense. He’s also a headcase and could risk upsetting the locker room.

1. Aron Baynes

I’m not going to lie, this is the only option that intrigues me even a little. Aron Baynes is a grinder and someone who embodies the Bucks’ defensive culture they want to continue building. He’s not afraid to step in to take a charge and is another big body that will get physical down low. He can also step out to the three-point line to shoot a bit, but won’t overextend himself on offense.

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