2022 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Robin Lopez is here to play his role

Robin Lopez has not hidden why he is in Orlando.

It is not to go to Disney all the time (although that is a good perk). He said it is to be a leader and be available for whatever the young team needs of him. Lopez acknowledged that when he arrived in Orlando. He understands the assignment.

But maybe the greatest encapsulation of Lopez’s role on the team was captured in a GIF following Cole Anthony’s breakaway dunk during the team’s comeback effort against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.

Lopez certainly does not look the part of a 33-year-old, 13-year pro. He is one of the kids. And that might make him a perfect veteran to integrate with this group.

Whether it is Lopez’s never-ending battle with STUFF — despite them appearing to make up during his introductory press conference, he quipped that STUFF has not called him since, although they did share a game of Connect 4 before Sunday’s game — or the not-so-subtle shot he took at his brother, Brook, (and perhaps some others) — saying at media day that he is not sure the Milwaukee Bucks actually won the title and he would have to do his own research.

This is who Lopez is. He is not going to be the serious veteran demanding a lot.

Robin Lopez has built his career doing simple things exceedingly well. The free-agent big man joined the Orlando Magic understanding what his role is and being able to perform it well.

He is going to be himself. The guy who loves Disney and still acts like a big kid, but can be serious when needed. He will integrate into the group and be the quiet voice adding to whatever lesson needs to be taught.

For a young group that already seems pretty close and has a culture seemingly set on having fun, enjoying each other’s company and working hard, Lopez seems like a perfect fit.

He may also be a perfect fit just for his ability to stay out of the way and understand his role. Lopez knows he is not likely to play very much. As a competitor, he wants to play. But he does not come to Orlando without understanding what this team needs from him — and to get paid handsomely for the trouble.

But it is not Lopez still cannot contribute.

Lopez averaged 9.0 points per game in 71 appearances with the Washington Wizards last year, shooting 63.3-percent from the floor with a hook shot that has become legendary in NBA circles. He posted 1.22 points per possession on post-ups last year according to NBA.com’s tracking data.

Lopez still has plenty in the tank and plenty to contribute on the floor. There is plenty of reason to think Lopez could still be a contributor if the Magic need him.

And, absolutely, Robin Lopez’s presence and consistency throughout his career have allowed the Magic the chance to experiment with Wendell Carter playing alongside either of the team’s centers.

Versatility is this roster’s thing. And Lopez, despite his general lack of mobility and lack of versatility, is good enough to give the Magic the ability to go versatile with their other big men.

Lopez though fits what the Magic want to do.

He has long been a solid defender within his backup center role. Last year, he gave up 11.5-percentage points worse field goal percentage at the rim than expected, placing him in the top-10 percentile in the league according to Basketball-Index. This is despite him not being a great shot blocker.

Lopez is all about positioning. And even though he is not a particularly great rebounder, he gets the job done within his role.

That is probably the most important aspect about Lopez and why he seems like such a good fit for the team. He knows his role, knows what he is good at and executes it well.

That, in itself, is a lesson for the young team. Understanding and picking up on your wall and becoming excellent at that. This is what is important for winning teams. Everyone has to understand and execute their role.

The bonus is that Lopez is an end-of-the-bench player who can step in and play well when the team needs him. And with both Wendell Carter and Mohamed Bamba’s injury history, that feels likely.

Still, like with some of the other veterans the Magic signed, Lopez playing too much would be a bad sign. It would be a sign of either the team facing too many injuries or players not stepping up and improving at the rate they should. Lopez is a fail-safe.

This is something he surely recognized when he signed his contract with the Magic. It is probably something that was made clear when he signed his deal.

To do this veteran thing, you have to be willing to accept your role. And that is always what things with Lopez return to. That has been where he has carved his place in the league for 13 years.

Adding his experience so he can help instruct and teach young players in the quiet moments are important too for the young team. He can teach the team the important lesson he has learned in his career.

It might also help that Lopez remains a big kid personality-wise. That already seems to fit in with the Magic’s culture and identity.

The team will need some seriousness at the right moments. And someone who will stick to the message and keep the team thinking about the right things. The team can go off the rails very easily. That is always the risk with any rebuilding team.

Lopez is extremely good at playing and understanding his role. And that is what he is here to do. And that is what the Magic are expecting from him. As small as that role might be.