With training camp and the preseason for the 2024-25 NBA season nearing, former Milwaukee Bucks big man Robin Lopez remains unsigned.
If Lopez wants to continue playing in the NBA, his options seem to be slim right now. However, if he's willing to travel, there may be another opening for him to continue playing basketball professionally.
While in Slovenia watching fellow former Buck Goran Dragic's farewell game, Lopez stopped for an interview with Eurohoops TV. Among several things, he was asked about whether he would consider potentially playing overseas at any point, to which the big man offered a pretty definite response.
“I’d absolutely consider it. I know how passionate the fans are and how high the level of basketball is.”
Former Bucks big man Robin Lopez could consider overseas career
It's not surprising that Robin Lopez, twin brother of Milwaukee Bucks starting center Brook Lopez, is still unsigned. He just had his least productive NBA season to date in 2023-24, averaging 1.1 points, 0.3 assists and 0.3 rebounds in 4.1 minutes per game during his second stint in Milwaukee. He was traded to the Sacramento Kings at the deadline and quickly let go, not getting picked up.
Teams aren't pounding down the door for a 36 year old center who put up those types of numbers, so unless a franchise wants an experienced backup center for depth, he will likely go unsigned heading into the season. Overseas, there would be a greater opportunity for him to actually play and finish out his career, as the big man is now 36.
Interestingly enough, Lopez wouldn't be the first Buck to leave the NBA to play overseas this year if he decided to follow this route. Patrick Beverley turned heads when he reportedly turned down NBA offers to play in Israel, where he currently is. Playing overseas may not be as glamorous, but now, the guard has a chance to get the ball in his hands more and play a big role. Lopez could do the same.
Just like fellow former Buck Danilo Gallinari is currently doing, Lopez could hold out and hope for an NBA offer to come his way, but the thought of playing overseas has to be on his mind to some degree.
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