In an interview on NBC’s “The Chris Mannix Show,” Kenny Atkinson, head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, believes that center Brook Lopez is good enough to build around. Transcribed by NetsDaily:
Mannix noted that “Nets coaches have had a love/hate relationship wih Brook Lopez. Some guys love him, some guys have wanted to trade him. Is he a building block player for this team?”
Atkinson responded with a lengthy analysis of the Nets 7-footer, saying Lopez is a big part of the Nets and noting that he is a “huge fan. He cited one aspect of his play that he was particularly impressed with.
“Absolutely,” Atkinson said. “The first thing I’m really impressed with him –watching him and I’m watching him really closely right now, watching games from the last couple of years — is how well he passes the ball and that’s going to be a big part of our offense, moving the ball. He obviously can score the ball. That’s been established. He’s been established as a pro, but I’m really impressed with the way he passes the ball.”
He also pointed to areas where Lopez can improve.
“And I think there will be areas where we’re going to challenge him,” Atkinson continued. “Protect the rim a little better, a little better pick-and-roll defense. These are areas where he can get a little better there, a little better here,
“He’s already an excellent player. Can we get him to another level. Can we help him get to another level. But I’m a huge fan. I think he plays the game the right way. I think he’s smart. It’s a fast paced game right now in the NBA, but I look at Andrew Bogut in Golden State. They play pretty fast and he does alright in the offense. So, I think there’s a place for Brook in this new NBA.”
Lopez is one of the most talented offensive big men in the NBA, when he’s healthy. Atkinson was right to point to his defense as something that needs improvement, as he’s never been elite on that end. Injuries have always been the biggest hinderance to Lopez, and so yes, when healthy, Lopez is a building block. You just have to hope he can stay on the floor.
