Brook Lopez...The Progression

[jerseyjac]

In the start of any professional athletes career, say the first 3 years specifically in basketball, you can figure out a lot about that player's strengths and weaknesses...Brook Lopez has shown a great deal of promise both individually for the Nets...He easily one of my favorite players and I do believe he can be the Nets best center ever....with that said, let me break down whats on my mind as observant fan who is consistently rewinding plays watching Brook both during and after certain situations and where I feel he is currently at as a NBA player...


We all know the strengths:
Low post game, outside shot, good vision passing out of the post, a serious shot blocker, good rebounder, above average post defender and a high basketball IQ...ect...


Things that are starting to bother me about Brook...I dont want to call them weaknesses yet or shortcomings...its too early to go there...but these things need to be acknowledged:
(Granted, I'm weighing in the type of season the Nets are having, Brook only being in his second year and the transitions Lopez has had to deal with (as all Nets players have): changing roster, fired coach, trades, ect...)

1. Brook complains to the referees way too much...you want to chalk it up to youth, fine, but this is a very bad habbit to get into...one of the results will be less calls in your favor...

2. It was talked about briefly when Yi came back from injury...Brook needs to learn how to play along side of Yi...another obstacle here was maybe a small language barrier, but Yi has passive nature to himself and to his game on the court...heads are not butted as easily...

To continue along this theme, there has been obvious issues with Kris and Brook...If you watch close enough, since game one of Kris's tenure with the Nets you could see a reaction to the shot attempts Kris was taking...(if you watch the games as close as I do, Brook's facial expressions are very revealing...)

As Kris's minutes substantiated with his level of play becoming more significant, Brook and Kris has seen more minutes together where this issue has evolved...Call it what you want...miscommunication, bitterness, egos clashing= Kris's peronal agenda--he knows he's getting minutes to show his abilites and he's going to make the most of it...Brook feeling maybe who is this guy to come in here and take those shots...you just got here, ect...

I for one have thought nothing but good about Kris....he definitely takes some shots he shouldnt, but overall his game has helped this team, his aggressiveness has been second to none and his attitude at face value is that of one who is trying to help this team get wins...

All of this has affected Brook...they dont seem to like each other, they're not buddy-buddy on the court...they rarely recognize each others good plays and they talk more, when they do talk, about mishaps or problems they are having together on the court...talk might be the wrong word, its more like complaining about the others mistakes...

Dont get me wrong it takes two to tango...this is Brooks's team so-to-speak, I just feel Brook seems to be more negative than positive with any teammate right now...

Losing can affect any player in the worse way...the worst comes out with losing...but I am now questioning Brook Lopez's leadership qualites, his mental toughness and his rapport with all his teammates...

I do believe the losing has started to affect his game slightly, but I think it has affected his mentality and his relationship with teammates even more...

Different season, different players and maybe you find a different attitude with Brook and a different dispostion...I just cannot look at Brooks reaction to Kris and him colliding in the Boston game or last night vs the Pistons going up for the same block as anything other than derogatory...

Excluding the fact that Kris might have to stand his ground more and recognize where his teammates are...Brook's on the court mentality has changed for the worse right now...its affecting his game and his mindset which ultimately is limiting the Nets...

I expect more from him and right now I am questioing the type of player he is...

[halfHAVOC]

if you put him in a losing environment like this with all those things ofcourse players who express themselves like brook will let it show

i dont think he likes playing along side humphries, its rather obvious, and he does complain to the refs a little too much.

another thing i noticed is, he seems to disappear for stretches when he goes up against a defender that is as big as him or stronger than him like kendric perkins, he needs to add some more power to his game where he can back these guys down rather than resort to fading hooks and tough jumpshots.

otherwise he's going to be a GREAT player because his weaknesses aren't a lack of skill or any of that sort, just mental lapses especially when you're playing on a 4 win team , not to mention this guy has developed great chemistry with Harris and with harris being out a while he was going through different point guards trying to adjust to their style of play. Either way hes a great player and i expect him to only grow next season

[jerseyjac]

if you put him in a losing environment like this with all those things ofcourse players who express themselves like brook will let it show

i dont think he likes playing along side humphries, its rather obvious, and he does complain to the refs a little too much.

another thing i noticed is, he seems to disappear for stretches when he goes up against a defender that is as big as him or stronger than him like kendric perkins, he needs to add some more power to his game where he can back these guys down rather than resort to fading hooks and tough jumpshots.

otherwise he's going to be a GREAT player because his weaknesses aren't a lack of skill or any of that sort, just mental lapses especially when you're playing on a 4 win team , not to mention this guy has developed great chemistry with Harris and with harris being out a while he was going through different point guards trying to adjust to their style of play. Either way hes a great player and i expect him to only grow next season

I agree...even more importantly with adding the toughness and physical strength he needs to add to his game...espeically as you stated when going up vs a stronger more physical player...

His disappearing acts irk me, but he is young...I do feel that is why he got benched early in the 1st qtr last night...But I do love how his chemistry with Devin Harris HAS only gotten better and has progressed excellently even during a putrid season...

We are seeing a young kid who maybe I thought was more mentally tough before this season began...I can only hope to believe this season can help him and will improve his overall game...

But he definitely needs a gut check, a some sort of reality check...He's a better teammate than what he has been showing...I have to admit, I am a little surprised...this is one of the worst seasons anyone can experience, I just hope his reactions dont go deeper...if you know what I mean...

[NetsForce]

What it is, is that Lopez has been rather careful with his shot selection all season long and has been putting in the extra effort to find open teammates (often evidenced by his comical crab stance and telegraphed low pass to cutters) but Humphries...

For all the good he does, and I like the energy and what not, he doesn't look to pass / has serious tunnel vision and has no qualms at putting up crazy shot attempts.

It's a clashing of playing styles and the lack of a real coach to sort everything out.

There's also probably a bit of carryover from his experiences with Lawrence Frank. Frank would have never allowed Lopez to take half the stupid shots Humphries does so seeing this guy go out there and put up Kobe Bryant fadeaways has to be frustrating.

[jerseyjac]

Lopez is bitching too much, instead of communicating the issues on the court during a game...his reactions are not acceptable (during a game) and he needs to learn how to control them...they're outbursts more or less...(again he is young, sooo they might be more present just like you hear CDR during a game)...I just feel his reactions are feeding negatively on his game and his team...

I do agree there is a clashing of playing styles...

I wonder what goes on behind closed doors at practices...

[vincecarter4pres]

You make some very good points Jac and I agree with most everything.
I would like to go into it deeper and add to it, but I have some stuff to do soon.
I'll definitely be adding to this one too.
You're not alone in noticing this stuff, it's real and it is becoming all to painfully obvious lately and I too share the same concerns.
I said it in the game thread, losing is infectious.

[Jersey Generals]

I think all of that stems from lack of coaching, to be honest. Maybe not the complaining, I've noticed that too, but everything else? The reason why Brook doesn't like Kris is because Humphries thinks he's Michael Jordan in game 7 in Utah out there; taking fade aways like they're layups. And Lopez wouldn't have been allowed to take those kind of shots under Frank's regime.

[halfHAVOC]

kiki is not a real coach

we need a REAL coach to develop players, instill a style of play, and work on offensive/defensive schemes that fit the personell.

[lurkingobeiscity]

He's 20, and considering he's the best player on the team, I'm giving him a pass for any and all reactionary antics. There will be less funny Lopez faces made at the refs as he gets older, but Brook's reactions are nothing new. He's been expressive the whole year. He just looks sick and tired of his teammates repeatedly missing defensive rotations to the paint or not making the simple pass to the wide open center.

Losing is obviously affecting all the players at this point. Last game was the first time I saw Courtney Lee not sprint back on D in transition when he should have. I think the biggest problem right now is coaching. The Nets don't play as a team. In any situation where the clock is ticking down, typically around 6 minutes left in the 4th, someone inevitably gets hero syndrome and the offense coughs up 4 bad shots after minimal passing. Kiki simply does not know what he is doing. In one of the games before Del Harris left YES network showed Kiki on the bench in the fourth asking Del if he should take a timeout.... I doubt the players believe in him.

I'd also say that Kiki's coaching exhibits clear favoritism, judging by substitutions which ignore performance and late game sets which amount to an Yi isolation.

PS - Anyone else think Brook looks tired at certain points? Not that he's ever bent over winded, but you'll see his effort level swing wildly from barely moving to sprinting everywhere trying to block everything. Looks like he's trying to conserve energy for the whole game. I bet he needs the AS break as bad as anyone else on this team.

[NetsForce]

^ Yeah I meant to post this yesterday in the game thread but another reason for Brook's sub-par rebounding effort the last couple of games is that he does look tired... ^

I don't think anyone expected him to shoulder the offensive burden he's been forced to with so many players in and out of the lineup / playing like turd...

[jeff1624]

I caught the encore this morning and I did notice a particular incident between the 2. On one of the plays where Maxiell was left open wide open under the basket, Brook got pissed off and started barking at Humphries. I thought it was due to the overall frustration Brook must be feeling but it might just be that they don't get along.

I agree with everyone, there's no coaching on this team whatsoever. It's rather simple when you think about it. Humphries is our first big man off the bench but, he could easily go back to being the 14th man like he was in Dallas. Kiki should just set him straight(doubt it though). Tell him either you play smart, work on your passing skills and stop taking fadeaways or you're not playing at all. Is he better than Boone and Battie, sure.. but It's not like we're contending for a playoff spot and depend on humphries to help us get there.

As for Brook, I don't blame him one bit. It must suck being the only competent basketball player on a daily bases. Kiki has no idea how to be a coach and it shows. As much as Harris, Dooling and Hayes look like good glue guys, I doubt any of them are as vocal as a good leader should be. That's why we have T-Will and CDR acting like kids in the locker rooms and talking down to the team in the press or on twitter. You have Yi and Humphries thinking they're Nowitzki and shooting the rock without any hesitation. And that's why this team turns into a high school team in the last 3 minutes of every game.

Man do I miss having Kidd, Jefferson, Martin and Carter on this team.

[Talentfull]

In all honesty I have no issues with Brook expressing his frustration but I do feel like the barking at Humphries is unnecessary. The plays that come to mind specifically was when they both went for that rebound, and yesterday and when he clearly left his man wide open TWICE to help out on a pick. He was blaming Humphries when he had absolutely no business being there.

But I guess it's one of those things..he's probably growing more frustrated with all the losses and terrible play of the team. Humps taking terrible shots doesn't help the situation either.

[jerseyjac]

He's 20, and considering he's the best player on the team, I'm giving him a pass for any and all reactionary antics. There will be less funny Lopez faces made at the refs as he gets older, but Brook's reactions are nothing new. He's been expressive the whole year. He just looks sick and tired of his teammates repeatedly missing defensive rotations to the paint or not making the simple pass to the wide open center.

Losing is obviously affecting all the players at this point. Last game was the first time I saw Courtney Lee not sprint back on D in transition when he should have. I think the biggest problem right now is coaching. The Nets don't play as a team. In any situation where the clock is ticking down, typically around 6 minutes left in the 4th, someone inevitably gets hero syndrome and the offense coughs up 4 bad shots after minimal passing. Kiki simply does not know what he is doing. In one of the games before Del Harris left YES network showed Kiki on the bench in the fourth asking Del if he should take a timeout.... I doubt the players believe in him.

I'd also say that Kiki's coaching exhibits clear favoritism, judging by substitutions which ignore performance and late game sets which amount to an Yi isolation.

PS - Anyone else think Brook looks tired at certain points? Not that he's ever bent over winded, but you'll see his effort level swing wildly from barely moving to sprinting everywhere trying to block everything. Looks like he's trying to conserve energy for the whole game. I bet he needs the AS break as bad as anyone else on this team.

If Brook is tired, then he is out of shape...maybe tired of losing, or drained...If Brook is tired at any point when he's in the game, then he seriously has to work on his stamina...I wont deny the minutes played this year is taking its toll (probably the most minutes he has played in his career...)

I'm exhausted from this team, I can only imgaine how he feels....Brook was getting a pass from me all year based on his age, I'm questiong if this could go deeper...I'm hoping for no carryover effect into next year...And I hope someone is at least addressing it quitely behind closed doors, this cant linger... I've seen this sort of attitude/reaction to problems develop roots which are difficult to get rid of...

And you are 100% right in regards to Kiki...If i had to guess Brook doesnt think much of him...late game sets do favor Yi over Brook...I've seen his facial expressions on some of his substitutions...of Brook...not good...so Kiki could be the core problem...

[Yoshi2kx]

[quote="lurkingobeiscity"]He's 20[/quote

uhh pretty sure hes 21, 22 on April 1st

[verticalhops]

Look he is doing a great job based on where he was drafted, understatement, incredible job. This team will improve when you add other good players around him and isn''t the focal point on offence, he would be best suited in a team where he is the number 2 or 3 option.

[jerseyjac]

In three games back, Brook looks refreshed, focused and mentally he seems to be rejuvinated...some nice defense, while killing the rim...

Its nice to see him keep the demons away...

[Joel Embust]

1. Brook complains to the referees way too much...you want to chalk it up to youth, fine, but this is a very bad habbit to get into...one of the results will be less calls in your favor...

This is what I posted on the 12th of November:

I like Brook Lopez, but if he wants to get star treatment later in his career he should stop crying at the refs after every call that goes against him.

Hasn't changed since then. I know it's frustration, but still...referees will label him as a crybaby who'd even complain if he committed murder.

[NetsForce]

Tim Duncan is emotional and has some of the most comical facial expressions of all time but nobody talks about that... I'd personally rather have Brook show passion for the game and get angry than have him drift around indifferently a la a Michael Beasley or Derrick Coleman.

As long as his anger is left on the court being Kobe Bryant mad is the way to go as far as I'm concerned.

[jerseyjac]

Tim Duncan is emotional and has some of the most comical facial expressions of all time but nobody talks about that... I'd personally rather have Brook show passion for the game and get angry than have him drift around indifferently a la a Michael Beasley or Derrick Coleman.

As long as his anger is left on the court being Kobe Bryant mad is the way to go as far as I'm concerned.

I agree there is a line where talking to refs is acceptable...Tim has done it for the most part in a "talking" manner...I think right now he does tend to get too animated and it might be a little too frequent...as far as the passion, there is nothing wrong with gettin angry on the court as long as you're not riding a teammate...no problem with mentioning something after a play...once or twice...but if there is more of an issue beyond that, you need to nip it in the bud during a timeout or after the game...

lets just hope Brook can keep his thoughts about calls to a minimum and not turn into Karl Malone...