CHICAGO — Milwaukee Bucks center Brooke Lopez has been cleared to be a full participant in practice for the first time since back surgery in December, coach Mike Budenhözler said ahead of Friday's game against the Bulls.
Lopez did a light workout on the court at the United Center on Friday. He's been limited to individual workouts until recently, but will progress to five-on-five scrimmages with contact.
Milwaukee remains optimistic that Lopez, who has not played since opening night, will be able to return to the court before the end of the regular season.
"This is another good positive step for him to return to the sport," Budenholzer said ahead of Friday's game.
After starting at center in 70 games for Milwaukee last season, Lopez hasn't played against the Nets this season since October 19.
The Bucks don't have many open dates for practice over the next few weeks, so Budenholzer said it's likely he'll start practicing with the team's G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Hurd, for additional reps.
"It's one of the great things about being G League, being so close to the team," he said. "I think Brooke is going to see a little bit of everything over the course of the next though as how long does it take her to get quality scrambling and quality 5-on-5 and ready to return."