Brook Lopez is finally an asset, not a liability; that is no longer a stretch to say, as it has come to the attention of LA Clippers fans all over the world that he was being held back on the bench behind Ivica Zubac, Now that Lopez is the permanent starter, following the Zubac trade, he is producing just like last season, making it clear a promoted role was all he needed to be unleashed. This fact was hidden, as everyone wondered how he fell off so fast.
It sounds unbelievable, right? Lopez, who was once out of the rotation indefinitely, is viewed by Tyronn Lue as a dependable center at 37 years old, with averages of 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.2 steals in 32.4 minutes following the deadline, shooting 49.1% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc.
Thus, confidence is growing among the fanbase that Lopez will keep this up. He looks like a whole new player on the floor, and on both sides of the ball, winning plays are being made.
Brook Lopez is living up to what the Clippers paid him to do
Lawrence Frank paying Brook Lopez around nine million over the course of two seasons looks greater than ever. It took long enough, but with freedom and encouragement to play his game, Lopez is thriving; there is no other way around it.
Specifically, Lopez put on a show against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. He gave the superstar center one of his worst shooting nights of the season, 9-22 from the field, helped force six turnovers, and challenged every shot he could.
It was a one-point win, and if Lopez had not already logged an excellent game, he recorded a clutch block on Jokic with under 30 seconds left that helped put the Clippers on top.
With his production coming to light, a discussion will inevitably occur in the near future on where to proceed with Lopez in the summer. He is on a team option, and although the LA Clippers are moving younger, his experience for Yanic Konan Niederhauser’s development would be nice to have around for one more year.
That said, it is time to accept that not being in an elevated role was holding Lopez back. He got it with the front office trading Ivica Zubac, and ever since, he has not disappointed in every aspect of the game.