Brook Lopez Says He Wants to Be Part of Nets' Rebuilding Plans

On the heels of a strong individual season, Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez expressed a desire to remain with the team moving forward.According to Brian Lewis of theNew York Post, Lopez said the following when asked about his future with the organization:"I'm happy to be here. ... I hope just with my off-the-court attributes, the way I've led, the way I've helped other players grow, I hope those were characteristics that really showed how important I am to this group."In 2016-17, the 29-year-old veteran averaged 20.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 blocks per game.Also, after having made just three three-point field goals in his entire NBA career entering the season, Lopez nailed 134 of them and shot at a 34.7 percent clip from beyond the arc.The former All-Star evolved his game and proved that he can be an offensive force for the Nets both outside and in the paint.Despite his contributions, Brooklyn went just 20-62, which was the NBA's worst record.Brooklyn is in a difficult position since it has little to speak of on the roster outside of Lopez and won't have a high pick in the 2017 draft to add another big-time talent to the mix.The Nets will be forced to swap their first-round pick with the Boston Celtics, which means the C's could potentially end up with the No. 1 overall selection.Trading Lopez could net Brooklyn a bevy of draft picks and young players, but there is nothing else in the fold to convince fans to pack the Barclays Center during what could be a long and arduous rebuild.For more news, rumors and related stories about Brook Lopez, the Brooklyn Nets and the NBA,check out the NBA and Netsstreams onBleacher Report's app.
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