The Miami Heat are coming off two straight wins and are interested in adding Brook Lopez to the roster, according to a report by ESPN.
Lopez is currently a member of the Brooklyn Nets and has been an All-Star in his career. At only 26-years old, the big man could still have a lot to offer if he can stay healthy. Staying on the court has been an issue for Lopez however during his career.
In recent years, Lopez has battled multiple injuries including a broken foot that shortened his 2013-14 season. Prior to this year, in the last three seasons combined Lopez had played in only 96 games.
This season, Lopez is averaging over 14 points and six boards per game. The center has started 19 of the 28 games he has played in. One of Lopez's better games of the season came on Saturday in Detroit. In that game, Lopez had 15 rebounds, a steal and a block in 26 minutes.
The interest from Miami is reportedly significant but the return Brooklyn is seeking is unknown at this time. The Heat have enjoyed a surprise amount of production from Hassan Whiteside. Stat sheets have been filled nightly by the 25-year old. The one flaw in Whiteside's game thus far has been foul trouble which has possibly kept the center out of the starting lineup.
Should the Heat acquire Lopez, it would likely impact the playing time of Whiteside and Chris Andersen. This could be a benefit to the Heat in a potential playoff series though as their big men could have a bit more left in the tank.
At 17-21 on the year, Miami is currently in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. The Nets sit a game back in eighth place and have currently lost six in a row.
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The Heat have a decent chance of making the postseason in a conference that is not considered very competitive. The question however is how far can they go once they are there.
