Former GM Kerr: Letting Lopez go would not be good

Jan 24, 2012, 11:03 PM | Updated: 11:42 pm

The Suns have some big decisions to make with Steve Nash
and Robin Lopez about their futures, but getting rid of
both may not be the best choices.

Rumors about Nash leaving have gone on for months and
involve different teams, but TNT analyst and former Suns
GM Steve Kerr said he’ll
be tough to trade
. As for Lopez, the team and player
have until Wednesday to agree on a contract extension. If
not, he’ll become a restricted free agent after the
season.

Kerr, who was a guest on Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and
Gambo, said he thinks Lopez still has a nice career ahead
of him.

“I still think (Lopez) can be a very good player,” Kerr
said. “He looks much bouncier this year like he did a
couple years ago when he was so effective for us. He’s had
a couple good games and some good runs, but he’s
obliviously playing behind some people.”

Since coming to the Valley in 2008, Lopez suffered
multiple injuries; he’s been in and out of the Suns’
starting lineup.

Lopez has seen few minutes and is low in scoring because
of the Suns acquiring Marcin Gortat last year. With Gortat as the starting center, Lopez is averaging 15 minutes and five points per game, and has a .483 field goal percentage, his lowest in his professional career.

Even though he hasn’t been full-speed lately, Kerr said
finding another like him would not be simple.

“I think if he ends up elsewhere, I still think he’s going
to be good,” Kerr said. “It’s hard to find big guys,
especially mobile big guys. They’ve got to at least
consider keeping him around because guys like that are not
easy to find.”

Phoenix Suns

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against De'Anthony Melton #8 of the Philadelph...
Kellan Olson

Suns find winning breakthrough vs. 76ers, Devin Booker stays hot

The Phoenix Suns finally found their breakthrough on Saturday to return to winning ways and avoid a collapse in the second half.
1 day ago
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a three-point shot against the Philadelphia 76ers ...
Jake Anderson

Devin Booker puts up MVP-esque performance in Suns’ win over 76ers, Joel Embiid

Suns' Devin Booker put up a MVP-esque performance in Phoenix's 125-105 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night at Footprint Center.
1 day ago
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives on Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton during the f...
Wills Rice

76ers’ James Harden out, Joel Embiid starts vs. Suns; Deandre Ayton out

The 76ers listed guard James Harden (left Achilles) as out, while MVP contender Joel Embiid (right calf) will start Saturday vs. the Suns.
1 day ago
Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns dribbling the ball get fouled by De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacrament...
Kellan Olson

Phoenix Suns lose cool again, drop 3rd straight vs. Kings

No matter how well they play at the moment, the Phoenix Suns seemingly can't avoid losing control of a game at some point in the second half.
2 days ago
Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts on the bench during the first half of the NBA game at F...
Austin Scott

By the numbers: How injuries have hurt the Suns’ consistency

The Suns have been dealing with injuries all season long. Here are a few numbers that show the impact injuries have had on the season.
2 days ago
Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns signs autographs before the game against the Chicago Bulls at ...
Arizona Sports

Report: Suns’ Kevin Durant progressing toward return vs. Timberwolves

Suns star Kevin Durant is progressing toward a Wednesday return against the Timberwolves after missing time due to a sprained ankle.
2 days ago
Former GM Kerr: Letting Lopez go would not be good