Playoff Picture: Brooklyn Nets
By Luke Duffy
Go To Guy
A lot of people have forgotten about Lopez and the great work he can do for a team. Injuries are the main reason for this, and we have to remember the Nets seemed open to trading him (As well as Johnson and Williams) up until the trade deadline. He remains with this team though, and is a great presence in the paint for Brooklyn.
Brook Lopez powers @BrooklynNets w/ 26 points & 9 boards as they handle @WashWizards, 117-80: http://t.co/TOMCP4fsUN pic.twitter.com/G6SuScKpx0
— NBA.com (@NBAcom) April 11, 2015
He leads the team in scoring (17.2), rebounding (7.4) and blocks (1.8). His rebounding numbers are back to his near his career high he posted as a rookie, and he appears locked in on the defensive end of the court. Offensively he’s got some pretty post moves and nimble footwork, like his brother Robin.
Some question his toughness inside, but he can more than hold his own against some of the more well known names in the league.
Looking at the rest of the playoff field, Lopez is one of the few centers in the East who can be a game changer for his team. The round one matchup with the Atlanta Hawks will be interesting, and Lopez should be able to hold his own against a rejuvenated Al Horford. It’ll be a fascinating battle, as neither are the biggest at their position. It means Lopez could have some joy here.
He is the anchor on both ends with which the Nets can build around. Looking at the likes of Cleveland, Toronto and Washington, he could cause real problems inside as teams struggle to deal with him. He’s not quite as devastating as a Roy Hibbert, but he works hard with or without the ball for this team. The Nets must surely be glad they kept him now.
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