In the next chapter of the Brooklyn Nets’ nightmare of a season, Brook Lopez has been severely injured. Lopez is the center for the Nets, and as a team that recently acquired hot talent from the Celtics, they were being predicted to win a title this year. Instead, they are struggling in the Eastern Conference, and only have a record of 9-17.
Brook Lopez broke his foot during their last game, and it is being reported that he may miss the rest of the season. The Stanford graduate also missed all but five games during the 2011-12 season after breaking the same bone in his right foot twice in quick succession.
It is unclear when he sustained his injury, since he played throughout their last game against Philadelphia, and recorded 22 points and 7 rebounds, playing through the fourth quarter and overtime.
The Nets ended up winning the game in overtime, 121-120, but that overshadows the fact that their star, Brooke Lopez, fractured the fifth metatarsal of his right foot during the game. Soon after, it was reported that he would be out for the rest of the season.
If Brook Lopez is in fact done for the year, so are the Nets. Of all the players they have he is the biggest key. Brutal Brutal blow.
— Shaun Morash (@ShaunMorashCBS) December 21, 2013
Despite his past injuries, Lopez is a key member of the Brooklyn Nets, and losing him for the season will be a huge blow to the team. As their only real center, Brook Lopez plays much of the time, and as a leader on the team, he is averaging a team-high 20.7 points, six rebounds and two blocks per game this season.
Damn. Sorry to hear about Brook Lopez. Get back so we can battle son.
— Roy Hibbert (@Hoya2aPacer) December 21, 2013
I may hate the Nets but Brook Lopez being out for the year sucks. He's a great player.
— Matt Spendley (@mattspendley) December 21, 2013
On a veteran team with stars such as Deron Williams, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, Lopez is also the only starter under the age of 29, and at age 25, he has been in the league for six years. He is the only true center on the team, and as a result, Kevin Garnett will be forced to play the center position, under their new coach, Jason Kidd.
Lopez is 7 feet tall, and added muscle mass while rehabbing from injuries, getting him up to 290 pounds in the summer, which made him a completely different player than he was before.
Stunning Brook Lopez news. Loses 2 of 3 seasons. History isn't kind for young big guys missing seasons with recurring leg/foot injuries.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) December 21, 2013
Brook Lopez played most of last year, but was again sidelined for eight games, due to his ongoing ankle injury. After breaking his foot for the third time in his career, this will raise questions about his future, and reminds fans of other centers who have had short-lived careers due to injures, such as Yao Ming and Zydrunas Illgauskas in recent years.
The Nets are 9-17, don't have a first round pick next year and Brook Lopez is our for the season. Now what?
— NBA Legion (@MySportsLegion) December 21, 2013
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