More Praise For Brook And Devin
by Sebastian Pruiti
Jul 27, 2009 Brook Lopez, Devin Harris, Nets In The Media
SI.com’s NBA writer Chris Mannix has just posted his write-up from USA’s Las Vegas minicamp, and like John Schuhmann, his piece included praise for both Devin Harris and Brook Lopez:
Devin Harris: Harris was the most vocal player in camp and showed flashes of the skills that made him an elite defender in Dallas. Harris is ultra quick on offense but the lack of range on his jump shot may inevitably hurt him.
Brook Lopez: The most offensively-skilled center in Vegas, Lopez was impressive in the scrimmage, scoring 18 points on an economical 7-8 shooting. Lopez didn’t get a lot of touches in practices; but if he takes another step forward next season (Lawrence Frank said he plans to make Lopez a big part of the offense in ‘09-10), he could emerge as a dark horse candidate.
Devin Harris playing defense? I know most Nets fans will be surprised to see that, but if Devin can get back to playing defense like he did in Dallas, he will become a complete player. Also, I have been reading everywhere that Devin was very vocal during this minicamp. It looks like the Nets found their new leader, and that Devin has already embraced the role. Oh and reading that Brook will be featured more in the offense (it makes sense, there are going to be a lot more shots avalible to other players now VC is gone) makes me smile.
It is real good to see some Nets get praise in the media. Mannix still has both Nets listed in his “The possibilities” category, and I agree with Mannix when he says that this upcoming season will be key for both players when it comes to making the US Team. If they both play well, it is quite possible that the Nets will have two members on the National Team.
July 27th, 2009 at 6:45 PM
always great to hear news about our 2 franchise players.
Devin i think would be great in the system and style that teamUSA plays as he is ultra quick and the olympic games are very wide open.
Brook on the other hand is a more ‘throwback’ player who has athletic ability and sometimes it is sneaky athletic ability, but most of the time he is a slow it down center. with teamUSA they want and have athletic centers who can run great down the floor so you always have 5 guys running the floor like cheetahs. lopez has been resembled to Duncan for a reason. timmy was on the usa team because he is the greatest PF in the game, but that really wasnt his style imo.
you want fast ultra athletic players if you can. which is why i think devin has a great shot at it. plus he has leadership and can be on the next few teamUSA’s. PG position is extremely tough when you have cp3,rose,williams there.
Brook could play in that system because he not only can finish around the rim, but he HAS post moves where we can slow it down for a couple of possessions instead of having everyone at full speed.
i’d LOVE to see them both make it, but one would be great. not only because he will get better himself but because it will be great PR for this team. have a PG and C on teamUSA who are going to be here for the next 10yrs or so is very exciting isnt it? yeah we may be bad, but obviously the coaches and management of teamUSA like Devin and Brook. i dont see any young knicks players getting invites.
we are in a good position. losing sucks but with these two they could help us change close loses into win’s with their maturity
July 27th, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Thanks for the comments xcalibur. I totally agree with you on all your points and it makes me proud as a Nets fan to see them get some praise in the national media. Also, with these two on the Nets, I think they could help lure a big free agent name over to New Jersey/Brooklyn next year.
July 27th, 2009 at 7:46 PM
absolutely. PG and C are two of the toughest positions to fill in the nba.
u can get wing players who can score and who can play the 2 or 3 because they are similar and players now a days are bigger and more athletic so they could be moved around.
its tough to find a legit 7′ center who can play with his back to the basket and IS SMART.
with devin, you have a guy who was a top of the line defender in dallas and showed he can be one of the best scoring pgs last year and is now getting praised for his leadership with the USA team right now.
devin,brook,lee,twill,cdr and hopefully yi will all continue to grow and show FA that they can get paid here (with the cap we r going to have)and have good solid players around them who are YOUNG and can be here for a while. ya we cant resign everyone, but we have young pieces to move to get another vet and boom change our franchise around quickly.
July 27th, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Agreed. With all the young guys we can see who works in our system and who doesn’t. If they don’t fit, it doesn’t mean they are bad players and they could have some value to help us land a vet through a trade. I really think we are one to two pieces away.