New Orleans Hornets newly acquired center Robin Lopez is hoping for a fresh start in the Big Easy that hopefully won’t include a repeat of injury problems that has limited him in two of the previous three seasons.
Since 2009, Lopez has had a foot fracture, a bulging disk and knee problems. A week after the Hornets acquired Lopez last month in a trade with the Phoenix Suns, he underwent successful surgery to correct a tear of his medial meniscus in his left knee.
Lopez, however, has been doing his rehabilitation work at the Alario Center and is on schedule to be fully recovered before training camp begins this October, according to the Hornets.
``Right now I feel great honestly,’’ Lopez said Thursday at the Alario Center, his first media availability since the July 27 trade. ``I think I’m going to play it safe obviously. We still have to go before the season starts, so I’m not going to rush it or anything. But I’ll say I’m feeling good and I’m excited to be here.’’