Nets: Brook Lopez is the Go-To Guy in PJ Carlesimo’s System

Head coach PJ Carlesimo’s first two games have been wins, and Brook Lopez has been the go-to guy in the Nets new system. The numbers don’t lie and Carlesimo for the moment has instilled confidence in Lopez, as well as the Nets team. Lopez is on fire the last two games shooting 13-20 from the field—going 9-11 from the free throw line, against the Cavaliers. In the win against the Bobcats Lopez shot 9-12 from the field and went 8-8 from the charity stripe. Avery Johnson should’ve had the insight to make Lopez the focal point of his offense earlier in the year. The Nets center scored early to put the Bobcats away the other night. Then, Lopez helped the Nets fend off a late rally by the Cavaliers with clutch baskets in the 4th quarter. Over the span of two games it could still well be coincidence, but Lopez has shown the effort all season. With 17.9 points a game this season he leads the Nets, while shooting an average of 51% from the field. From the line Lopez could shoot a lot better—he’s only at 68% for the season, but the last two games Lopez has been phenomenal. The meager 4 free throw attempts a game Lopez averages is pretty sad. The Nets big man can increase that percentage if the Nets continue to feed the big man. During the Nets current two-game win streak Lopez is scoring and rebounding in double-digit numbers. Lopez has had three—straight double-doubles, including the loss to Milwaukee, Avery Johnson’s final game. Defensively the Nets center has been intimidating the opposition averaging 2.4 blocks a game. The Bobcats ran into 3 of Lopez’s 54 blocks on the season. In 12 games this season Lopez has had 3 or more blocks. You can’t credit everything to PJ Carlesimo, a lot of the glory goes to the Nets center. Right now, Brook Lopez and his Nets team should be ecstatic about their winning streak, but prepare for the competition ahead. Lopez critics call him soft, a tough schedule of games approaching could silence those whispers in the rafters. For the Brooklyn Nets sake, Lopez should continue to string together solid performances. Follow Me On Twitter