Boston Celtics: 2 FA big men Cs should pursue for veteran’s minimum

Robin Lopez

My co-editor Mark Nilon wrote about Robin Lopez being a target for the Boston Celtics last July. Here’s his rationale from then:

"With the very likely outcome of both Kyrie Irving and Al Horford seeking new homes this summer, the Celtics should have enough cap room to offered the services of the 29-year-old guard. However, if Walker does end up signing with Boston, the team would have a limited amount of cash left to fill out other roster necessities. Because of this, the franchise will need to look for players willing to take on minimum/ close-to minimum contracts. If the team does, in fact, find themselves in this position, one free agent in particular should be at the top of their offseason “wish list”: Robin Lopez. Though a Walker signing would certainly take care of any problems linked to the one spot, a void would still remain at the five. That is, unless they can bring in “Ro Lo”. Make no mistake about it, Robin Lopez is by no means as good of a player as Horford. But with all the mouths to feed in Boston, he could turn out to be an even better fit for the team moving forward."

Kyrie Irving and Al Horford did end up leaving, and Kemba Walker did make his way to town. Lopez did not join him last year, though, instead joining his brother Brook Lopez in Milwaukee with the Bucks. That team is likely to see large-scale changes, and Lopez could find his way back on the market if Milwaukee uses his $5 million salary in a deal to a team that doesn’t plan on using him for purposes other than salary filler.

It makes sense now just as it did then to pursue Lopez.