Pierce: "This is Brook Lopez's team"

With training sessions underway, the new-look Brooklyn Nets got to see how they worked together. With the first day completed, it was clear that Kevin Garnett had stepped into his role as team leader. Jason Terry, as reported by Stefan Bondy of the NY Daily News, claimed that Garnett "is the heart and soul of our team".

One area that Garnett will undoubtedly have an impact on is the growth of Brook Lopez, the 25 year old All-Star center. With defense and rebounding a major concern for Lopez in the early stages of his career, Garnett is just the person to help turn that around. Garnett made his presence as a mentor known to Lopez from the beginning.

“One of the first things (Garnett) said was ‘I’m just here to have your back and help you out with anything, I’m going to be there for you.’”- Brook Lopez

After all, Brook Lopez has the biggest ceiling amongst the players, as mentioned by both the coaches and the players.

“Brook is already good,” Garnett had said in Brooklyn Monday morning. “Whatever I can add on to him, or whatever he needs from me, I’m going to try to make myself as available as possible.”

“There’s no telling how good he can be,” coach Jason Kidd added.

Even then, with the role that Kevin Garnett will play, the authority Deron Williams holds on the team, and the experience of Paul Pierce amongst others, none of them are considered the face of the Nets.

“This,” Pierce said, “is Brook Lopez’s team.”

With everything that Lopez has gone through, 12-70, the move to Brooklyn, the plethora of different teammates in a few years' span, why not? He's on offensive threat now on a team stockpiled with defensive and offensive players, now being mentored by the toughest big man in the league to bring out Lopez's inner tenacity. The ceiling for Lopez, and this team, is high.

Lopez Ready to Go With Improved Nets - NY Post
Kevin Garnett already stepping up as leader of Nets on first day of training camp
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