Cleveland gets a quality big man behind Jarrett Allen as well as a solid locker room veteran.
Today, the Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to terms with veteran big man Robin Lopez on a one-year, veteran minimum deal, according to league sources. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Lopez, who last played for the Orlando Magic, has career averages of 8.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game over his fourteen-year NBA career. Last season Lopez averaged 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 17.0 minutes per game. He seldom played due to the Magic going through a rebuild but was considered a positive locker room presence during his time with in Orlando.
Now with Cleveland, Lopez can continue to bring positive vibes and help the team when his number is called by J.B. Bickerstaff. Last season, when Jarrett Allen was out for a while due to a fractured finger, the Cavaliers had to turn to Evan Mobley as well as Moses Brown and Ed Davis to soak up minutes in his place. Granted, Mobley, Brown and Davis all performed well. But, if Cleveland is serious about making the playoffs, they need a more reliable option in place.
The only downside to acquiring Lopez is what the future holds for the Cavaliers mascot tandem of Moondog and Sir C.C. Lopez is notorious for beefing and sometimes brawling with opposing team mascots. It started with Detroit Pistons mascot Hooper and has carried over to Cleveland’s mascots as well. Hopefully, Lopez, Moondog and Sir C.C. can all settle their differences before the beginning of next season. You don’t want to disrupt the chemistry in the locker room.