Ashley Landis/Pool Photo/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Bubble stats: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, 48% FG, 44% 3FG
Why: In the interest of positional diversity, we're choosing Lopez to round out our top five. Was there a better big man than Lopez in the bubble? Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic's effort and aggression waned too much, particularly as No. 1 options. Anthony Davis' best games in the bubble were worthy of this list, but he had too many clunkers. Kristaps Porzingis' defense regressed. Rudy Gobert deserves mention, and though his defensive impact was a bit better, Lopez's offense helps drive the Bucks' system.
Lopez stepped up his scoring in the bubble and did it efficiently. His rebounding numbers are low, but the Bucks rebound better with him on the floor, he led the team in box-outs, plus he has a teammate in Giannis Antetokounmpo who gobbles up 12 boards per game. Lopez played the second-most minutes in the bubble of the Bucks, improved their offensive and defensive rating by five points each while on the floor, and allowed a paltry 43% shooting on shots he contested, one of the best marks in the bubble. He has remade his game and is an excellent No. 3 on a contender.