Inside The Rockets

Brook Lopez to Rockets 'A Pipe Dream,' Says Insider

The Houston Rockets appear unlikely to sign Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez in free agency this summer.

Jeremy Brener

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The Houston Rockets could benefit from adding some defensive-minded players in free agency this summer.

After ranking 29th in the NBA in defensive rating, the Rockets need some help in that department, specifically in protecting the rim.

Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez is arguably the best defender on the open market this summer, coming off an All-NBA Defensive First Team season. And although the Rockets like Lopez, The Athletic insider Kelly Iko believes it's unlikely for the two sides to come together.

"I think it’s closer to a pipe dream because the Bucks have expressed an intent to re-sign him," Iko said. "He makes a lot of sense for that core. The Rockets understand this reality. Houston may not be the most attractive place for Brook if he’s trying to compare the level of contention and long-term security. That’s why the Rockets have several succession plans."

Lopez, 35, averaged 15.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.5 blocks per contest in 78 games last season for the Bucks en route to the best record in the NBA for the regular season.

However, a return to Milwaukee or joining a team closer to contention than Houston seems like a more plausible route for Lopez. Perhaps the Rockets could look to sign a center that would be more inclined to sign with Houston, like Thomas Bryant (Denver Nuggets) or Alex Len (Sacramento Kings).

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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