National Basketball Association

Suns exercise fourth-year option for C Lopez

Published Oct. 21, 2010 10:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Phoenix Suns have picked up the fourth-year option for Robin Lopez, keeping the center under contract through the 2011-12 season.

The 7-footer from Stanford, whose twin brother Brook plays for the New Jersey Nets, was Phoenix's first-round draft pick in 2008, the 15th selection overall.

After a spotty rookie season, Lopez blossomed on offense and defense after coach Alvin Gentry inserted him into the starting lineup on Jan. 18. The Suns were 22-9 with Lopez as a starter. During that time, he averaged 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game before he was sidelined with a back injury in late March.

This season, Lopez fills a more important role as the only true big player in the Phoenix lineup following the departure of Amare Stoudemire to the New York Knicks.