Brook Lopez made his return to Nets practice today, for the first time since breaking his fifth metatarsal in December. Lopez played through the full practice, including full contact in the short practice, and didn’t feel any discomfort. “If I’m babying the foot, I haven’t noticed it,” though Tim Walsh wants to keep him out a little longer.
After lifting and working out his non-broken foot for the past few months, Brook says he’s gained ten pounds of “mostly muscle” and that he weighed in today at 275.
He listed no specific game as far as a comeback date, saying “I feel that I could (make it back before the All-Star break),” but that it’s not his decision. He did note that Avery and Tim Walsh have a date, just that they have “told (him) nothing.”
The Nets’ official injury report says he’ll be out until at least Thursday, which pits his first potential comeback game against Chicago on Saturday.
Deron Williams can’t wait to have him back, presumably so he can pass to someone within ten feet of the basket who’s able to catch the ball consistently. “We need him in the worst way… that inside presence that we haven’t had through 30 games.”
Andre Emmett also practiced for the first time today, and somehow didn’t blow out either knee.
Injury (AKA “Team”) updates: The team’s only small forward Shawne Williams has a mild sprain of his left shoulder and didn’t practice with the team. He’s questionable for tomorrow night’s game. DeShawn Stevenson is also questionable for tomorrow.
