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NBA Thanksgiving: What Every Team Has To Be Thankful For, Part 1

By Gerald Bourguet

November 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 133-120. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 133-120. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) gestures after scoring a three point basket during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Brooklyn Nets: Brook Lopez

Kenny Atkinson’s squad has been more competitive than expected, compiling a 4-10 record that was actually only 4-5 until their current five-game skid). That being said, with a hamstring injury limiting Jeremy Lin to five games thus far, Brook Lopez has really been the Brooklyn Nets‘ saving grace so far.

Averaging 20.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, Lopez is not only providing Nets fans with a reason to watch this team on a (somewhat) nightly basis, but he’s also doing the franchise a favor by boosting his trade value.

It’s no secret that Brooklyn desperately needs future first round draft picks, and Lopez is their only ticket to acquiring one via trade. This team will be brutal to watch if and when that day comes, but Lopez is the key to a more manageable present and future for the Nets.