Guess Who's Back

Brook Lopez will be playing in tonight's game which can potentially be the best new so far.

Avery Johnson says Brook Lopez will start tonight alongside @reggieevans30. Unsure about tomorrow, taking it day to day. #injuryupdate
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 14, 2012

When asked how he feels?

"...felt pretty good," Lopez said. "I've been itching to get back out there for a while now. We've been taking it slow. We'll see how I feel when I get back tonight."

Even if he plays for a limited time, The Brooklyn Nets will be a significantly better team.

 Lopez is averaging 18.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, a game. Eighteen points from the post is a major plus. His scoring will most likely bring extra defenders over to help, which will allow the Nets offense to be more spacious. Deron Williams has been struggling shooting the ball and Joe Johnson's play can be much better. Lopez's underrated passing ability may give Williams the opportunity to fix his shooting percentage and the team a well balanced offense. The Nets back-court has been inconsistent offensively but there has been times where they played to their advantage. On most nights , Williams and Johnson have the ability to post up and create high percentage shots. There were signs in stretches but they would most likely resort to isolation plays that would lead to bad shots. With Lopez back, that problem should be gone and when the Nets need a closer, Lopez can definitely provide. Pick-n-rolls are the most effective because teams have to help, leaving shooters open. On defense, points in the paint shall at least wither from the amount given when he was sidelined so they should be okay while progressing.

The next three opponents for the Nets all posses quality big men. Greg Monroe for the Pistons, averages 15 and 9.2 rebounds a game so he will be tested. Joakim Noah, may not be a scorer but he will provide tons of energy, giving everyone a chance to scope Lopez's lateral movement and his foot carefully in the limited time that we see. And for the third test, Al Jefferson, and Derrick Favors will be banging up against Lopez so there will be more than enough test for Lopez. Hopefully by that time Lopez will be even better, allowing the Nets to face the Knicks for some revenge.

All the basketball world wants for the holidays is an healthy Brook Lopez and many more players and for the Nets, it is obvious that they need him. He will be worked in slow, but him being there is better than nothing.



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