Chicago Bulls: Player grades through the All-Star break
By Luke Askew
Robin Lopez
When Bulls fans analyze their team, Robin Lopez is often a guy who gets overlooked. This makes sense. He’s not exciting, he’s not young and he’s not even all that good. But you know what? Robin Lopez is a fantastic teammate. So this one’s for you, RoLo.
Through trade rumors, fluctuating minutes, and a varying role, Lopez has been a consummate professional. He never complains, never takes shots at his teammates and never takes a play off.
On the season, he’s averaging a mere 7.2 points per game on 55.3 percent shooting from the field. He’s definitely not bad, he’s just nothing special. He’s a savvy vet who always does his job. He’s the kind of guy a championship team like the Golden State Warriors would love to have on their bench, but not the type of guy that keeps fans of a rebuilding team happy.
It would’ve been super easy for RoLo to demand a trade at the trade deadline this season. He’s on a team-friendly expiring contract, so he would’ve been easy to move. Instead, he focused on playing for the team he’s under contract with. He deserves some credit for that.
Sure, it’s sometimes painful to watch the Bulls’ offense stall when they use the majority of the shot clock seeking out post-up opportunities for the old-school big man, but that’s not Lopez’ fault. He’s doing what he’s being asked to do.
He hasn’t done a lot this season, but he’s been a phenomenal teammate on a team that often lacks professionality. That stuff matters.
Grade: B+