Kevin Garnett Is Perfect Fit Next to Brook Lopez on Brooklyn Nets

June 29th, 2013 by David Daniels Leave a reply »

Kevin Garnett is a shell of his former self, but that shell is still more than enough to help the Brooklyn Nets compete for an NBA title.



Garnett, whom the Boston Celtics agreed to trade with Paul Pierce and Jason Terry to the Nets on Thursday, can't call his vertical his strength anymore. However, his leadership and intensity are exactly what Brooklyn needs next to Brook Lopez, making up for Garnett's aging legs.

Lopez averaged more points per game than every center in the league not named LaMarcus Aldridge in the 2012-13 campaign, scoring 19.4 a night. The 25-year-old seven-footer is an elite offensive performer, but he isn’t nearly as efficient defensively or on the glass.



Opposing centers averaged a player efficiency ratio of 17.3 against Lopez last season, according to 82games.com (the league average is 15.0). He also only averaged 6.9 rebounds per game. Shawn Marion averaged 7.8, and he’s five inches shorter.

Defensive intensity is contagious. Garnett, arguably the most passionate player in the NBA, will increase Lopez’s effectiveness by example. Boston surrendered ...

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