NBA Draft 2008: Brook Lopez

It's a rare find in the NBA these days to find a 7' center with the skill to shoot, pass, and rebound, let alone do it well. For this and many other reasons, Brook Lopez is expected to be a top five pick in this year's NBA Draft.

Coming off a season in which he averaged 19 points and 8 rebounds per game, Brook along with his twin brother Robin led Stanford to a #3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. His composure and leadership that he showed during his 26-point performance in Stanford's season ending loss versus Texas is what NBA teams are looking for in future stars.

At a solid height of 7', Lopez has shown that he can dominate the boards as well as block shots. And, unlike twin brother Robin, Brook has decent offensive ability and a jump-shot which could turn him into a 20 points per game big man in the NBA.

Lopez has few weaknesses that worry NBA scouts; one of which is his speed. With some seasoning and some extra training in the professional level, his explosiveness and quickness should be able to hold up among the lackluster crop of big men currently playing in the NBA.

The Minnesota Timberwolves look to be the team most interested in the Fresno native, but after a recent workout, the team left unimpressed. With Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley being locks for the first two slots, the Timberwolves would love to have an addition to their big leading scorer Al Jefferson. The Wolves might go for UCLA standout Kevin Love who is a much better passer than Lopez. Adding Lopez would add a bigger body than Love and would add more presence in the paint.

If Minnesota decides to go the smaller route and select O.J. Mayo or choose Love, Lopez will be looking to go to the Seattle Super-Sonics who hold the 4th choice and are the only other team in which he will be holding a workout for. While the Sonics are still trying to figure out where they will be playing next year, they need to figure out how to improve on their 22-60 season in 2008. Having Lopez join young phenom Kevin Durant would create headaches in the back and front court for opposing defenses and would be a no-brainer of a selection if Lopez is available.

All in all, Brook Lopez is surely a top 5 draft pick in this year's NBA Draft. His big presence along with his ability to score will be a major asset for any team in a league where the dominant big man has become extinct.

Source:

NBA Draftnet. "NBA Draftnet.com Brook Lopez."