Every NBA team’s MVP, from Kevin Durant to LeBron James
By Tom West
Brooklyn Nets: Brook Lopez
After playing just 17 games in 2013-14 and only starting 44 contests last season, Lopez is back in top form again. He’s one of the most talented and productive centers in the NBA to receive no attention, although that’s hardly surprising as his Nets reside at the depths of the Eastern Conference with a 5-15 record.
However, Brooklyn is somewhat better than the record suggests. They were able to take the Warriors to overtime, they only lost to the Cavaliers by 2 points when LeBron James hit a last second shot, and one of the main reasons they’ve been able to contest so well at times is because of Lopez. With his interior scoring he can serve as the anchor of the offense, while using his 7 foot, 275 lb frame and rim protection at the other end of the floor to hold their defense together as best he can.
This season, Lopez is up to 20.1 points per game (20th in the NBA) on 47.7 percent shooting. Most of those points come inside with hooks and push shots, but he’s been showcasing a solid stroke away from the basket as well. He takes just under half his field goal attempts from mid-range, and is shooting 40.2 percent from 10-16 feet out and 48.3 percent from at least 16 feet. Whether it’s inside or out, he’s an underrated scorer.
As for his defense, he’s averaging a career-high 2.2 blocks per game and players are shooting a mere 41.7 percent against him. He may not be the most athletic or well known player for his defense, but this season he’s making a real difference.
On a struggling Nets team, it isn’t hard to stand out. Yet, while being their MVP doesn’t carry quite the same sense of achievement as it would for someone on a better team, Lopez is still a talented player.
Next: Washington Wizards