Just last month, Robin Lopez said it would “be cool” if he played in all 82 games for the fourth time in his career, an accomplishment of which he would be “pretty proud.”
Durability, however, is no match for draft-pick desire.
With Bulls management wanting to look at a big-man rotation of Cristiano Felicio and Lauri Markkanen as starters and Bobby Portis and Noah Vonleh as reserves, Lopez landed on the inactive list Thursday against the 76ers after being the only Bull to start the first 57 games.
“It was rough for me, but I get it,” said Lopez, who answered affirmatively when asked if he’s disappointed. “(But) I’m going to stay connected with the squad.
“All my teammates, whether they’ve been playing with me or sitting on the bench and not dressing, they’ve supported me. I don’t think I’d be too good a person if I didn’t do at least the bare minimum of the same.”
Lopez said management presented “several options” to him, including the chance to log spot reserve minutes. With executive vice president John Paxson saying these new-look lineups will be used for “blocks of games” and have a fluid rotation, Lopez chose to sit for now.
“Me stepping aside opens up a few more minutes for those guys,” Lopez said. “That’s best.”
Guard Justin Holiday, according to Paxson, made the same choice. It’s likely both players will play at some point over the final 25 games.
Lopez missed only one game last season, a league suspension following an altercation with the Raptors’ Serge Ibaka.
“This is where Robin’s leadership comes into play,” coach Fred Hoiberg said. “He’s such a great teammate and he wants to see these young guys play at a high level. He has been a great mentor to guys (such as) Bobby and Cris in the early stages of their career.
“I can’t say enough about who he is as a person. You can’t have enough guys like Robin in your locker room.”
Laugh track: The affable Lopez lost his streak but not his sense of humor.
“Hopefully I won’t get as many technicals,” he cracked.
Lopez also said he expected to find “a glut of jackets” in his closet, which is required wear for inactives. But he only discovered a tuxedo jacket and the “ragtag outfit” he settled on for Thursday night.
Asked if sitting is consistent with tanking, Lopez said, “I’m not familiar with military artillery.”
And he said management talked about his starting role likely returning next season — if he’s not traded in June.
“It seems they still like me,” Lopez said. “How could they not?”
Layups: Former No. 1 overall pick and Bulls Rookie of the Year Elton Brand attended as general manager of the 76ers’ Gatorade League team, the Delaware 87ers. Brand played with Hoiberg for two seasons. “That was one of my best years (in 1999-2000) because he got double-teamed the whole time,” Hoiberg said. “Not many rookies in this league average 20 (points) and 10 (rebounds). He had a hell of a career.” … Zach LaVine added color commentary for TNT during the slam-dunk contest at All-Star weekend. “It was cool,” the two-time winner of the event said. “Talking about dunks and the history of the dunk contest was pretty easy to me.” … Swingman Paul Zipser didn't play in the second half because of a sore left foot.
Twitter @kcjhoop
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