Free agent Robin Lopez is willing to consider playing in Europe if he doesn’t get an offer from an NBA team, writes Cesare Milanti of Eurohoops. The 36-year-old center has been on the open market since the Kings acquired and waived him at last season’s trade deadline.
“I’d absolutely consider it,” Lopez responded when asked about the possibility of joining the EuroLeague. “I know how passionate the fans are and how high the level of basketball is.”
Lopez signed with the Bucks last summer to give them another big man off the bench and to join forces with his twin brother Brook Lopez. He saw limited playing time in 16 games before Milwaukee shipped him to Sacramento along with cash considerations on February 8 to open a roster spot and reduce its tax bill. The Kings released him the same day.
Lopez has turned into a journeyman late in his career, changing teams every offseason since 2019. He has played for nine teams since being selected with the 15th pick in the 2008 draft and has career averages of 8.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in 992 games.
Lopez spoke to reporters Saturday after participating in Goran Dragic‘s farewell game in Slovenia. They both started their NBA careers in Phoenix in 2008.
“We were rookies together, and he was somebody I could look to because he had been a professional before in Europe,” Lopez said. “Gogi was somebody I could always look up to and model myself after.”
After watching Dragic close out his career, Lopez acknowledged that retirement may not be far away for him as well.
“If it happens, it happens,” he said. “I’ve had a great career so far, not as good as Goran’s, but I’m thankful for everything I’ve been given.”
Len has underperformed for a 5th pick, Len should be out of the league and Lopez playing 3rd string C for the Kings
He would be a decent pickup for the Knicks. Probably still can provide 15 good minutes per game, good pick n roll center with decent rebounding.
I’m surprised Knicks have not looked at him. Considering Knicks options at C depth. Seems to me they are looking for a long term answer. Mitch contract is up in two yrs. And is very reasonable at 14 mill, 13 mill.
Knicks have looked at Kessler and Duren. Both young Centers with upside. Knicks are looking for a tag team partner to Mitch. But also could be his replacement. This team is set for yrs now. To contend. Only the Center position still has questions. Starting with Mitch injury history. That’s why they go tag team with him imo.
Jazz have overpriced Kessler. And I doubt they will resign him. Ainge is playing with fire here. Kessler could just walk. Considering no teams really want to hep Knicks. Knicks might have to settle for a solid vet still available. And just play it out till TD.
Lopez, McGee, Yurtseven, Boban still out there.
Those are good 3rd string C’s but you need a really good backup C.
I know it won’t happen but Dadiet doesn’t fit this team at all. The only young person.
Trade Dadiet, Ariel and Roku’s draft rights with Jeffries for a good backup C.
The C needs to be age wise from 25 and up who can start when needed. I’ll look for a couple C’s
And Lessort’s draft rights
Stanford guy here – EU is perfect next step for Robin in every way… May be 3 years overdue…
Euro and maybe a haircut