Prior to the 2012-2013 NBA season, the Brooklyn Nets re-signed Brook Lopez to a 4-year $60 million contract. Many people believed they over payed for Lopez and that the Nets only did this because they lost out on the Dwight Howard and wanted to be competitive in their inaugural season in Brooklyn. Lopez has had a history with foot problems, missing all but 5 games during the 2011-2012 NBA season.
Nets General Manager, Billy King released a statement today, “During the course of Brook’s postseason physical, our doctors found that the screw in his surgically repaired right foot had bent. The screw was subsequently replaced, and Brook should resume basketball-related activities in August.” This makes Lopez’s playoff performance even more outstanding, as he averaged 22.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game in the 1st round series loss to Joakim Noah and the Chicago Bulls.
As GM Billy King said, Lopez should resume basketball activities in August. This has to cause some concern for the Nets and their big mans health. With the strict salary cap in the new CBA, if Lopez has a lingering foot issue, it could mean a terrible setback for the Nets. When healthy, Lopez proved this year that he is a max contract player. However, with 3-years and $45 million remaining on his contract, the Nets should do whatever it takes to make sure he will be healthy enough to play out the remainder of his contract.
Justin Lerner: PureSportsNY