PHILADELPHIA – Wednesday wasn’t Robin Lopez’s final basketball sport.
His final in a Bulls uniform? Maybe, however the massive man is aware of there’s a place for him someplace on an NBA roster subsequent season.
Coach Jim Boylen is aware of what roster he needs him on.
“Anytime you’ve received a tricky aggressive man that wishes to win … clearly that’s going to be the theme the entire manner subsequent 12 months, and that’s the theme I’m going to speak to the staff about on Thursday is we’re going to must share and sacrifice,’’ Boylen stated. “Grow collectively as a staff and make it in regards to the staff.
“Those are going to be my messages. So whoever these guys are. But Rolo is a successful participant. That’s the best praise I can provide him. And we’d like extra successful gamers.’’
The larger query is would there be room for a Lopez return?
Wendell Carter Jr. is probably going the beginning middle subsequent season, whereas Lauri Markkanen can also be wanting so as to add some energy and play minutes on the 5.
Boylen, nonetheless, stated there can be minutes for Lopez as effectively.
“I like Robin,’’ Boylen stated. “I look after Robin quite a bit. I believe he’s a successful participant, and he’s been terrific. He’s been terrific in serving to the younger guys, he’s had my again the entire time I’ve had the job, and he’s a professional’s professional. What I need is what’s finest for him, and I believe he’s going to have a market. I hope he performs for a very long time. It can be nice if it’s with us, and if it’s not I hope it’s the place he needs to be.’’
Unfortunately, Lopez’s final attainable style with the Bulls was a foul one, as they have been blown out by the 76ers within the season finale 125-109. Lopez scored 12 factors, and once more was surrounded by a lineup of many gamers who may not even be on an NBA roster subsequent season.
Considering his age, 31, and what may very well be the backend of his profession, Lopez was requested if taking part in on a staff that completed manner higher than 22-60 would now be a precedence.
Yes, he needs one other playoff run, however he additionally reiterated that this Bulls roster is perhaps prepared for that sort of push.
“Every NBA participant needs to succeed,’’ Lopez stated. “Everybody right here is aggressive. We’re nonetheless bummed out at the moment we didn’t make the playoffs. We’ve been bummed out for X quantity of days, nonetheless many quantity of days. So all people needs to be in a profitable state of affairs and I’m no completely different. I see no purpose that the Bulls can’t be within the playoffs subsequent 12 months.’’
Counting it down
While many of the Bulls roster was prepared for some ice and rest, Boylen was already anticipating how vital the autumn coaching camp will likely be for his staff.
The proven fact that it will likely be his first full coaching camp within the head teaching chair additionally carries weight with Boylen.
“It will imply hopefully establishing our basis at each ends higher,’’ Boylen stated. “Hopefully, it can reinforce the type of play that we would like. We need to enhance our particular person protection and our staff protection. That’s a giant coaching camp level of emphasis. That’s what coaching camp is, getting in a stance and studying tips on how to play collectively defensively. Offensively, we’re going to maintain constructing on our multi-ball-handler system and taking part in out of circulation after which executing.
“I’m actually wanting ahead to coaching camp. To be trustworthy, I want it was ahead of what it’s.’’