Anthony Gruppuso-USA Today Sports
Brook Lopez spent more time on the court last season than he did on the sideline in street clothes, and that played a major role in the Brooklyn Nets making the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
Lopez established himself as not only one of the best centers in the NBA, but also one of the most skilled. He’ll bang with the best of them in the low post, block shots, rebounds and also consistently knock down the outside jumper. His averages in 2012-13 were 19.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.
However, now that Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce have joined the Brooklyn party, it could be easy for Lopez to lose some of his aggressiveness. Those guys can have an intimidating presence given their track records.
But it’s crucial for the Nets’ success that he doesn’t allow that to happen.
The most important thing for Lopez is still looking to be a scorer whenever possible. Being a passer when teammates are open is always essential, especially teammates of that caliber, but there’s a fine line between being a willing passer and being passive.
Lopez attempted 14.8 shots per game last season, and he needs to stay around that number even with all the weapons surrounding him so that he can remain consistent. The same could be said about Deron Williams and Joe Johnson, but this applies more to Lopez because despite his multiple years in the league, he’s still only 25 years old.
Brooklyn has something special in Lopez, and he needs to keep that hunger even now with future Hall of Famers in the starting lineup with him.
Mike B. Ruiz is a Brooklyn Nets writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @mikebruiz and “Like” him on Facebook.
