Brook Lopez Has More Value Than Andrew Bynum

Who is more valuable?

With the NBA lockout finally over, the rumors have started buzzing.  One of the hottest topics has been Dwight Howard and where he could be traded.  With CP3 almost headed to L.A, the Lakers were half way to making their dream scenario of putting Kobe with Paul and Howard come true. 

It was first reported that the soon to-be-Brooklyn Nets are prepared to give Orlando a package with Brook Lopez, two first round picks and basically anybody outside of “D-Will” on their roster, while taking back Howard and Hedo Turkoglu’s bloated contract. 

The Lakers have expressed interest in Howard and has made it known they will trade anyone not named Kobe.  The Lakers might be able to acquire Paul without giving up Bynum and their package to get Howard will have to include Andrew Bynum. 

Now, would you rather have Brook Lopez or Andrew Bynum?

SCORING

An elite center is a very valuable asset for any team in today’s NBA.  An elite center that is able to score is even more valuable.  Lopez has increased his PPG significantly each year, including last year averaging more than 20 PPG.  Andrew Bynum has never averaged more than 15 PPG in a season and only 11 PPG last season.  Even with Bynum having 3 more years in the NBA he has 809 fewer career points.  A plus with Lopez’ scoring game is his ability to make mid range jump shots.  Brook’s career free throw percentage is .801 and Bynum’s is only .686…  

Edge: Lopez

REBOUNDING

One concern with Brook Lopez last season was his drop in rebounding.  In his first two seasons he averaged at least 8 rebounds per game but dropped to 6 TRB last season.  Bynum’s career rebounds per game is 7.1, .5 less than Lopez however Bynum plays less minutes per game so his average is lower.  Bynum’s rebounds per 36 minutes are 10.6 and Lopez’s is only 8... 

Edge: Bynum (slightly)

HEALTH

Both Bynum and Lopez were the 10^th overall pick in their drafts (Bynum in 05 and Lopez in 08).  Although Bynum is going into his 7^th season in the NBA, he has only started 1 more game than Brook Lopez.  Bynum has been without a doubt injury prone whereas Lopez has played in all 82 games the past three years.  Andrew Bynum, like many “big men,” has had many injury problems with his legs and has had multiple surgeries.  There is no evidence indicating that he will be able to stay healthy for the duration of his career...

Edge: Lopez

X-FACTOR’S

Other factors that favor Lopez over Bynum is the Nets ability to absorb Hedo Turkolgu’s contract.  The Nets capability to include Hedo in the deal will help Orlando shed some cap space as they most likely enter a rebuilding phase.  The Nets will give Orlando two first round draft picks that will most likely have more value than the Lakers draft picks.  On top of all this the Nets have the more intriguing pieces that will be included in the trade alongside Lopez.  Players including Anthony Morrow, Jordan Farmar and MarShon Brooks...

Edge: Lopez

CONCLUSION

When you look at all the factors comparing Andrew Bynum and Brook Lopez, it is evident that Brook Lopez is the more valuable asset for the Orlando Magic to give up Dwight Howard for.  Not to mention that Lopez is only 23 years old and has not tapped into all his potential. 

The potential, durability, and youth of Brook Lopez all make him the perfect building block for Orlando to rebuild around... 

Overall Edge: Lopez

Hiyooo!