2 realistic expectations for Cavs’ Robin Lopez next season

Realistic expectation #2 for Lopez with the Cavs in 2022-23: He’s an exemplary teammate that’s self-aware, and the fan base fully embraces him

The second realistic expectation for Lopez next season with the Cavaliers would be he’s a fan favorite and quickly establishes himself as a guy who his teammates love as an exemplary locker room presence.

Lopez is a player that, despite him being well-traveled, with the Cavs next being his ninth team in what will be 15 seasons, has always been a player guys have loved being around and seemingly playing with.

I understand that he’s not going to have a significant role in the way Allen or Mobley will next season for the Cavaliers, obviously, but he can help those guys and other young players behind the scenes, and he’ll give the club energy on and off the floor.

Additionally, as our own John Suchan highlighted recently, he again has the makings of a fan favorite, as Lopez is such a funny and light-hearted dude, which is never a bad thing when it comes to veteran reserve players that will be self-aware.

Lopez appears to be just that, too, considering he was still in a jolly mood with the Magic last season, even with them typically prioritizing getting young guys their share of time instead with them in the tank.

Anyway, while Lopez will be turning 35 next year in April, and one has to assume he’s not going to be playing a big role regularly, I do still believe he can be playable depth at the 5 next season for Cleveland. And he’ll be a clear upgrade over Ed Davis, and later on in the season, Moses Brown, by comparison, with what Lopez can provide offensively.

I think his team-friendly signing might turn out better for the Cavs than many expect.