NEW YORK — No disrespect to Josh Boone whose belligerence on both boards is greatly appreciated, but the guy is not a true center or an adroit shooter.
Brook Lopez, on the other hand, has everything going for him — 213 cm, spacious shoulders, a soft inside-out touch, practiced moves, sure hands, balanced feet and a menacing demeanor.
There is nothing not to like about him, leading me to meekly predict the rookie's first start (25 points nine rebounds, four blocks) in Friday's arresting Nets' victory over the Hawks will be unswervingly followed by 10 to 12 seasons of opening taps.