Brooklyn Nets: Brook Lopez Has Evolved Offensively

Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez is one of the best offensive big men in the NBA, and he continues to expand on his game.

The Brooklyn Nets have had another poor season, but they have one of the best big men in the NBA. After some injuries slowed him down for a few seasons, Lopez has been able to stay healthy and has been a bright spot for the Nets.

Since being drafted by the Nets, Lopez has always been an excellent post player. Some have questioned him as a rebounder and a defender. However, there is no denying Lopez’s skill on the offense end.

After barely shooting any three-pointers in his career, Lopez has added the three-point shot to his arsenal.

"“It’s just something I’ve always been confident in and been able to do. It’s a matter of this year the coaching staff and Kenny reiterating that they have the confidence in me to shoot the 3 in games and if I’m open to take it,” Lopez said to Fred Kerber of the New York Post. “Kenny came to me and told me, ‘This is part of our offense, this is what we want to do.’“I don’t want to make it more than it is. Growing up, I always shot outside. I grew up with older brothers who were always bigger than me, so I had to do that. So it’s always been comfortable for me.”"

Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson is perfectly fine with Lopez shooting three-pointers despite being an excellent post player.

"“Brook’s got a beautiful shot,” Atkinson said to Kerber. “It’s effortless. He’s a highly skilled player, he’s always been a good mid-range shooter. I compare it to [Al] Horford. These guys as big and strong as they are, why can’t they step out 3 more feet?”"

Lopez’s teammate Jeremy Lin likes the fact that Lopez can shoot from deep now. Having Lopez being able to be a pick and pop player certainly helps to space the floor for the Nets on offense.

"“The thing about Brook is he’s so capable in so many different ways. That’s really been my biggest, top of the list in terms of learning to play with my teammates,” Lin said to Kerber. “How do I get him involved where there’s a nice balance of 3-pointers and to the rim and on the block and soft rolls where you hit him in the pocket and he can make plays around the free-throw line? He’s so versatile.”"

Even though the Nets haven’t won much recently Lopez has certainly been a good player for them. The Nets have entertained trade offers for Lopez recently, but he hasn’t let that affect his development as a player.