Brooke Lopez - Sleeper

[Kingster]

Brook Lopez - Sleeper

This kid doesn't get near the pub of the east coast kids. But if this Stanford player decides to come out after this year (freshman), he should be be a top 10 pick in my opinion. He could be a top 5. He's 7 ft, 250 lbs, good athleticism, excellent hands, soft touch with the ball, good lateral movement. He creates havoc on defense and he'll make shots when he's even double teamed in the post. He does most of his damage on jump hooks within 10-12 ft of the basket, but I've seen him with range out to 15 feet and I bet he gets better and better with his range because he has excellent form and touch. The only negative is that he had some back surgery in the offseason. If it isn't a problem going forward, I would be ecstatic seeing him in a Kings' uniform next year.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

This kid doesn't get near the pub of the east coast kids. But if this Stanford player decides to come out after this year (freshman), he should be be a top 10 pick in my opinion. He could be a top 5. He's 7 ft, 250 lbs, good athleticism, excellent hands, soft touch with the ball, good lateral movement. He creates havoc on defense and he'll make shots when he's even double teamed in the post. He does most of his damage on jump hooks within 10-12 ft of the basket, but I've seen him with range out to 15 feet and I bet he gets better and better with his range because he has excellent form and touch. The only negative is that he had some back surgery in the offseason. If it isn't a problem going forward, I would be ecstatic seeing him in a Kings' uniform next year.

He's a good, young college player, but I'm still not sold on him bringing those abilities to the NBA. The Pac-10 doesnt really shine, as far as big man competitors. And the last 'big' guys to come out of the Pac-10, let alone Stanford, were the Collins twins, and they are mediocre/lousy, at best. Loren Wood?? The last legit big guy from the Pac-10 might have been Steve Johnson from Oregon, way back in the 70's/80's.

 

[CalBears1]

Channing Frye came out of Arizona recently, and he looks pretty damn good to me.

I too am not sold on Lopez yet, but he does have the size to succeed. I say he stays at Stanford for at least another year to improve his skills before he decides to try the NBA.

 

[LPKingsFan]

He's not coming out this year.

 

[Kingster]

He's a good, young college player, but I'm still not sold on him bringing those abilities to the NBA. The Pac-10 doesnt really shine, as far as big man competitors. And the last 'big' guys to come out of the Pac-10, let alone Stanford, were the Collins twins, and they are mediocre/lousy, at best. Loren Wood?? The last legit big guy from the Pac-10 might have been Steve Johnson from Oregon, way back in the 70's/80's.

UCLA has had the toughest schedule in the nation this year. Stanford is one of only 3 teams to beat them. Lopez was the main reason. The maxim that the Pac 10 is a weak conference is for those looking in their rear view mirror. Next year you're going to see another very good big man, maybe the best in the country - Kevin Love (UCLA).

 

[LPKingsFan]

Agreed. With the Lopez twins, Spencer Hawes (if he sticks around), and Love, the Pac-10 will have quite the big man offering.

 

[Kingster]

Agreed. With the Lopez twins, Spencer Hawes (if he sticks around), and Love, the Pac-10 will have quite the big man offering.

Thanks for bringing up Hawes, who I forgot. He is very tough on the block. He's an animal. For whatever reason, I'm not as positive on him in the NBA. Maybe because he doesn't have great hops. But I've certainly seen worse in the NBA, that's for sure...

 

[LPKingsFan]

On an unrelated note: saw Danny Ainge at the Stanford vs. ASU game this evening. Scouting perhaps?

 

[LPKingsFan]

Update: Stanford's AD released a statement by Brook today confirming that he will return to Stanford for next season. Time for ESPN to update its mock draft (has Kings picking Brook at #11)!