2 realistic expectations for Cavs’ Robin Lopez next season

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to terms with free agents Ricky Rubio, Raul Neto and Robin Lopez, all three of whom were veteran acquisitions. Rubio’s deal was for three years and $18.4 million, with the third season partially guaranteed, whereas Neto and Lopez’s deals were veteran’s minimum signings.

It’s uncertain as to when Rubio will be available and fully back, if you will, next season for Cleveland, as he’s still working his way back from a torn ACL dating back to late December. Rubio turned out to be a heck of an add last offseason via trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and while his then-expiring contract was part of the Caris LeVert trade with the Indiana Pacers in February, it was not shocking that he returned in free agency. That was a widely rumored possibility this offseason.

As for Neto, he looks to be playable insurance behind Darius Garland, and can help Cleveland until feasibly January until Rubio is able to get back, and I’d think Neto could play in some stretches when Rubio is back if needed in a rotational sense.

Lastly, regarding the three aforementioned signings, Lopez should be a serviceable reserve 5, and can help Cleveland on the interior on both ends. His playing time will be somewhat matchup-dependent, seemingly, but he was a nice team friendly add, I thought.

With that in mind, what should Cavaliers fans maybe look to see from Lopez next season, then?

Along those lines, we’ll touch on two realistic expectations to see from Lopez with the Cavs in 2022-23.

In that realm, we’ll examine the first thing to expect from the vet big in rotational time with the Cavs next year.