Chicago Bulls: 2017-18 player grades for Robin Lopez

Strengths

For the second straight year, Lopez posted a double-digit scoring average, finishing with 11.8 points per contest, which marked the highest output of his career. He also shot an efficient 53 percent from the field and for what it’s worth, he extended his range out the 3-point line, though he only converted 28.6 percent of those attempts.

Based on the shooting percentage from deep, it is not a strategy I would necessarily recommend. However, at least Lopez has shown he can hit the occasional 3-pointer if it’s needed.

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Another positive about Lopez is he is a solid screener, which was a very important attribute that helped rookie forward Lauri Markkanen get a lot of clean looks from the perimeter. Aside from posting a career-high in points, the one thing that more than likely endeared Lopez to the organization was his professionalism.

Following the All-Star break, the front office decided to give an extended look to some of the younger players who hadn’t played much during the first half of the season. In other words, Lopez saw his minutes diminish drastically.

Despite being one of the most consistent producers in the starting rotation, he never complained outwardly about his reduced role and could always be seen cheering for his teammates, even if his level of play warranted him being on the court.

Solid production on the court and being the consummate professional off the court makes him an ideal fit for the rebuilding Bulls.