When Robin Lopez first signed with the Orlando Magic, there was curiosity about what his on-court function could be.
Lopez didn’t want a number of time to see how he slot in.
“I’ve at all times favored to consider myself as a utility man,” Lopez mentioned shortly after being signed to a 1-year, $5 million contract. “Regardless of the groups wants, I try and fill that function.”
On the time, Lopez was becoming a member of a rebuilding Orlando crew with three younger bigs (Wendell Carter Jr., Mo Bamba and Jonathan Isaac).
The Magic reached an settlement to signal Moe Wagner to a 2-year deal the day after they got here to an settlement with Lopez.
Isaac didn’t play for the second consecutive season whereas recovering from the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, however Lopez was usually Orlando’s third or fourth large whereas the Magic prioritized growing the youthful gamers.
Being the veteran on a rebuilding crew or a backup large weren’t unfamiliar conditions to Lopez, 34.
However having his function decreased to what it was in comparison with the remainder of his 14-year profession — enjoying in a career-low 36 video games — was completely different.
Lopez embraced that change.
His manufacturing (7.1 factors and three.5 rebounds in 17 minutes) wasn’t eye-popping, however his reliability helped regular the ship for the Magic in occasions of want.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect participant availability in mid-December by way of early January, Lopez elevated his scoring and offensive obligations.
When the Magic had been with out one in all their different large males or wanted a stronger physique to defend a stronger opposing backup large, Lopez confirmed he can nonetheless produce on that finish regardless of his restricted mobility.
And when the prospect got here for Lopez, a widely known fan of Disney, to take rookie guard Jalen Suggs to Disney World, he didn’t hesitate.
Whether or not Lopez and his patented scoop hook shot could be prepared to return to the Magic in an identical function subsequent season is unknown.
Lopez can be one of many Magic’s two unrestricted free brokers, together with Gary Harris.
He’s anticipated to be pursued by groups trying to contend for the playoffs in free company, with most of these groups seemingly capable of supply extra outstanding roles than the Magic.
Time will inform whether or not Lopez can be one-and-done in Orlando.
This text first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. E mail Khobi Worth at khprice@orlandosentinel.com or observe him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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