Billy King Talks Brook Lopez Injury And Nets Options

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The devastating news from Saturday morning was that the Brooklyn Nets All-Star center Brook Lopez had injured his right foot again and will be lost for the season.

This news could not come at a worse time with the Nets struggling at 9-17 and still trying to find an identity as a team with all the new acquisitions.

The team made a press release in regards to Lopez yesterday and GM Billy King spoke to the media for the first time today.

Here is what he had to say about the dire situation.

Billy King: “Brook was a big part of it, but we do have depth so we’re going to saddle up and ask some of the guys to do more.” #SaddleUp

— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) December 22, 2013

Kidd said there was no indication Brook was hurt during the game. Said he told training staff afterwards something was wrong, got the X-ray.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) December 22, 2013

Very possible Lopez could’ve returned this season, but decision was to shut him down. “We want to make sure to be cautious.” — Billy King

— Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInterNets) December 22, 2013

[quote_box]”I’m disappointed for Brook,” King said. “As an organization, losing a player like that hurts, but mainly for Brook Lopez. He’s been through a lot. I know Brook. He’s going to do everything he can to be back on the court. We’ve gotta let him meet with the doctors and let him figure it out from there.”

“It’s been unfortunate, but the one thing I know about Brook is he’ll do everything he can to get back,” King said. “We’re talking to a lot of different doctors, getting a lot of different opinions to make sure we’re doing things right.”[/quote_box] [/box] [box]

[divider] King was asked what his options are now that Lopez is gone for the year and if he would look at the trade route to help make up for the Lopez absence.

[quote_box]”If there’s a deal out there that we feel is going to make us a better team, we’ll do it regardless of tax or the future, but we’re not going to panic and do a move just to make a move because we feel we have to,” King said Sunday. “I still believe in this group. Brook’s a big part of it, but we do have other guys, that’s why we have depth.”

“Every team that has a big guy on the sideline calls to offer their services, but we had been in discussions with a lot of teams up to this point,” King said. “There’s not an imminent move, we’re not looking to make any imminent move trade-wise. We’ve got 14 other guys that can step up, but we’ll continue to discuss possibilities if it can make our team better.”[/quote_box]

Although Billy did say they’re applying for the disabled player exception, I won’t be surprised at all if the Nets don’t use it. — Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) December 22, 2013

Billy King also said that if there’s a move that will make the Nets better, he’ll do it even if it means paying more luxury tax. — Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) December 22, 2013

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[box] Player reactions to the Lopez news:

Joe Johnson’s reaction when he heard news that Brook fractured his foot: “I was devastated man. It’s almost like we can’t catch a break.”

— Rod Boone (@rodboone) December 22, 2013

Sorry to hear the news about Brook Lopez, get well soon big guy!!!

— Marshon S. Brooks (@Marshon2) December 21, 2013

Damn. Sorry to hear about Brook Lopez. Get back so we can battle son.

— Roy Hibbert (@Hoya2aPacer) December 21, 2013

 

Read more: ESPN

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