Chicago Bulls 2017-18 player preview: Robin Lopez
Previewing the Chicago Bulls 2017-18 season, one player at a time. Up first, is center Robin Lopez.
We know that the Chicago Bulls are not going to be competitive during the 2017-18 season. Jimmy Butler was the only reason that this team even sniffed the playoffs last year and he is gone. Now, the Bulls will rebuild and will likely be one of the worst teams in the NBA next season.
While there is not likely to be too much upcoming success, that does not mean that there are not interesting players to watch on this roster. As we prepare for the upcoming season, let’s take a look at each individual player for the Chicago Bulls and preview what to expect out of them going forward. Up first, is big man Robin Lopez.
Last season
The Bulls acquired Lopez in the Derrick Rose trade with the New York Knicks last offseason. Lopez is not exactly an ideal big man in the modern game, but he proved to be an extremely reliable asset for the Bulls last season.
Lopez played and started in 81 of 82 regular season games and all six playoff games for the Bulls last season. Lopez averaged 10.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game for the Bulls. He was a strong and consistent force for the team underneath the basket.
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Lopez is not the quickest or athletic big man in the game and he has never attempted a three-point shot in his nine-year NBA career. Simply put, he is a traditional big who does not have much value in the league as he once did. That being said, Lopez is an extremely powerful post player who is not afraid to do the dirty work. He undoubtedly still has value in this league.
What to expect next season
Lopez will enter the 2017-18 season as the Bulls’ starting center. His competitive nature and ability to dominate in the post will undoubtedly be important for this young squad. That being said, do not be surprised if Lopez is moved at some point.
The Bulls are clearly in a rebuild, and while Lopez still holds some value, he would make much more sense as a complementary piece on a contending team. Plus, the two years, $28+ million remaining on his contract is certainly less than ideal for the Bulls who are looking to stay financially flexible going forward.
I fully expect Lopez to come in and be a major part of the Chicago Bulls next season. However, I also fully expect a trade to come at some point during the season. The Bulls are unlikely to get much in exchange for Lopez, but selling him even for a minor long-term asset would make a ton of sense.
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A powerful big man who can defend the rim, rebound the basketball and score in the post, I expect Lopez to have a strong season. Whether he is with the Bulls throughout the season or not is completely up in the air.