Brooklyn Nets Midseason Grades: Front Court Edition

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Jan 17, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors small forward Terrence Ross (31) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

A. . C. Brooklyn Nets. BROOK LOPEZ

Brook Lopez is the Nets’ best player.

Lopez has been a cornerstone of the franchise since 2008, and the first half of this season has been much of the same.

As usual, there have been trade rumors surrounding Lopez, but he hasn’t been deterred.

Lopez leads the Nets in both points per game (20.1) and minutes per game (29.4). Lopez’s 1.64 blocks per game also lead the Nets, while no other Net averages one block per game.

Lopez is critical to the Nets success, even though wins have been minimal this season. Lopez hardly has an off game, and when the Nets win, it’s likely because Lopez had a big game. As tough as some of the Nets’ games have been this season, they would be even tougher if Brooklyn did not have Lopez.

RELATED STORY: 3 Potential Fits in a Brook Lopez Trade

That, of course, is where the topic of Lopez becomes interesting. Combine Lopez’s value with the fact that the Nets have the worst record in the NBA, and it’s not surprising that trade rumors have surfaced once again.

If the Nets were to trade Lopez, Brooklyn would be parting with their best player, but with the first half Lopez had this season, his value is high.