Just like any other 37-year-old center would, Brook Lopez has had ups and downs this season. He has drilled nine three-pointers in one game, started for eight, and been out of the lineup as a DNP for stretches. However, as the LA Clippers’ front office traded Ivica Zubac, they feel like they can depend on Lopez leading the frontcourt rotation for the rest of the season.
The Clippers did ask the Indiana Pacers for Isaiah Jackson, just in case, yet with no other center moves at the deadline, the front office is certainly pleased with how Lopez has produced as of late.
Thus, as the ninth seed in the Western Conference, Lopez cannot be played off the floor at any point. He will be instrumental in a push for the playoffs in the play-in tournament, and must end his 18th season in a better way than it started, without a solidified star in Zubac to lean on.
The Clippers rightfully think highly of Brook Lopez
Trading Ivica Zubac was a tough decision, but doing the same with Brook Lopez would have been seamless. His contract technically expires this summer, with a team option, and because he is making under $9 million, a contender on a low budget needing depth in their center rotation would have given the LA Clippers an offer.
On the contrary, Lopez had a handful of solid performances since the winning stretch began in December, and so far in February, he has been excellent. Overall, though, in his last 23 games(Clippers record of 17-6), he has averaged 7.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in just 20.1 minutes.
While he has had scoreless performances that have skewed his points-per-game average, his impact has still been there. For example, against the Denver Nuggets, he did not attempt a single shot in 16 minutes, yet still had two steals and a block, which were crucial as the Clippers tried to come back.
Additionally, Lopez will be forced to do damage inside the paint. It is no longer an option, and something he is capable of, as he has shown flashes of finishing around the rim with a soft touch from midrange.
That said, they call Lopez ‘Splash Mountain’ for a reason. He is an excellent floor spacer and, on top of that, a phenomenal rim protector. Therefore, the Clippers trust him and his experience to help win, and used his role in the turnaround as a reason to be at peace with dealing Zubac to Indiana.