AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Nothing is etched in stone, but Brook Lopez could be playing for the Nets in Dallas on Feb. 28, the first game after the All-Star break.
General manager Billy King suggested it and Lopez endorsed it.
“I could see that. If they want it to be that, I think I could,” said Lopez, who is rehabbing from a broken right foot and hopes to return to practice Monday.
Lopez said coach Avery Johnson gave him a personal workout after yesterday’s shootaround, prior to their 109-92 loss to the Pistons.
“We got some shots up, a lot of running … jump shots, post moves. It was good stuff,” said Lopez, who has not played a minute this season after three seasons of not missing a game.
“It’s tough for me. I’m very anxious. I keep pushing Timmy (athletic trainer Walsh) each night, ‘I can play, Timmy. Come on, let me go.’ He’s held strong so far.”
Lopez said there is nothing left for him to try before a full practice, which could be Monday.
“We just have to keep putting it together and keep trying to get into shape and the next opportunity at practice, hopefully I’ll be able to participate,” he said.
King yesterday designated that Feb. 28 game as when the Nets could be as healthy as they have been all season.
King said he also expects Mehmet Okur, MarShon Brooks (returned here last night after missing six with a broken toe), DeShawn Stevenson (knee, feeling better with “blood spinning” injections) to return by then, if not before.
“We’re going to have a lot of depth,” King said. “Whether it’s before the break, or after the break. God willing we don’t have any more injuries [and] we’ll have all our guys playing except for our guys that are out for the season (Damion James and Keith Bogans).
Lopez has been rehabbing his broken right foot and is on schedule but King said “I doubt it” when asked if the center would practice next week.
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Deron Williams, who said he would trade his third All-Star selection for “five more wins” to put the Nets in playoff contention, heard about the TNT commentators ripping the inclusion of a player from an 8-19 team.
“I understand what they’re saying. I’ve been here before,” he said, and cited Rajon Rondo and Brandon Jennings as guys with legitimate beefs. “I’ve been on the other end where somebody made it over me when I thought I was going to make it. They took a veteran who had been an All-Star numerous years and that’s what they told me.
King said the TV analysts were “100 percent wrong” to trash Williams’ selection and Johnson also strongly supported his guy, especially given the ridiculous run of injuries. “Considering what he’s been through, he’s an All-Star,” Johnson said.
The Nets are home to the Spurs — and likely a returning Manu Ginobili — tonight. … Ex-Net Ben Uzoh signed a 10-day contract with the Cavaliers.
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Bogans goes for surgery Monday. King was reluctant to label Bogans’ season over, despite the devastating extent of the injury (complete tear of deltoid ligament, fractured ankle).
“I’m going to wait until he has surgery, because I’m not the doctor, and they like to go in and see what they have to do,” King said. … Okur received an epidural, his second shot, for his back. “He’s going to be back, I’m not worried,” King said. … Despite the likelihood of James and Bogans being done for the season, King said he had no intention of waiving anyone or signing anyone because of the returning bodies.