Lionel Hollins has always been know as a coach who can improve players and their game rather quickly and that’s what he plans to do with Nets point guard Deron Williams and Nets center Brook Lopez. Lopez missed almost the entire season last year due to a broken foot. Lopez has been criticized about being “lazy” and playing no defense at all and Lionel Hollins is out to change that. The Nets hired Hollins this offseason after Jason Kidd wanted more say with the Nets other then head coaching. So, the Nets sent Kidd to the Milwaukee Bucks to become their head coach for 2 future draft picks. The Nets easily won the deal due to the fact Lionel Hollins is a huge upgrade over Jason Kidd and they received draft picks for Kidd. Hollins on his center Brook Lopez:
Just being more aggressive, being tougher, rebounding better. Just being a force in the paint,” Hollins said when asked how he wants his center to improve. “When you’re 7-feet and 260 pounds, I’d like for him to be a force. I want all our big guys to be like that — be tougher, be more aggressive, be an inside player. If you’re an inside player, a big guy, control the paint and play outside last.
“Don’t play outside and never get in the paint.”
Let’s see how Lionel Hollins changes the culture in the Nets 3rd season in Brooklyn.
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