Robin Lopez not going to FIBA World Championship

[Blackification]

Colangelo said Robin Lopez will drop out in order to do his own rehabilitation on a back injury that sidelined him for about two months late last season. Colangelo said it's too early to say what the standing of Lopez, who was added to the team just a week earlier, is for the 2012 Olympics.

"I think it's just a precaution,'' Lopez's twin brother, New Jersey's Brook Lopez, who is on Team USA, said. "His back is doing fine. Just precautionary.''

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/07/20/amar ... pionships/

I don't know what to think of this back rehab.

[MaryvalesFinest]

More time for him to develop a jumper so he can fit into the system next year

[RaisingArizona]

You could tell he wasn't 100 percent vs LA

[Calvin Klein]

I was looking forward to seeing him there.

[raff]

It's a shame that he won't be able to get the exposure that would come playing in this situation, but it's a good decision on his part. Let him rest and rehab his back, and work on his game for the upcoming season.

[Sun Scorched]

I always have mixed emotions with this kind of stuff.

I understand it from a business aspect and such, they aren't really being compensated for the risk they are taking on the national team.... but those risks come every day in practice too.

I think the experience would have been better for Robin than sitting home and conditioning his back. Those international bigs are a tough bunch, would have given Robin some definate practice.

And to be a part of Team USA? Come on!

If you're Robin Lopez and you're asked, you say yes. No bets you ever get asked again.

[DirtyDez]

This is great news. We don't need our already injury prone 23 year old center getting hurt again. Same thing happened when Amare dropped out after the micro-fracture and made 1st team all NBA the next season. These guys need the rest.

More time for him to develop a jumper so he can fit into the system next year

Developing the J would be nice but his duty for next season is rebounding. He needs to beast the boards w/ Hedo playing PF. Gimme 15/10 next year.

[bballno21]

I can remember some threads discussed here a few months ago about how robin should stop posting tweets about good food and rather go and play no matter what. WCE then proved that even though he have rested his back for a quite long time with Aaron Nelson's staff all over him, it wasn't enough. Yes, there were some condition issues due to not-playing, but...
Well, I don't want him to be seen as the one who doesn't want to play. I'd like him on that USA Team, but he's valued like franchise player for us. I still don't thing that our roster sucks, but we need Robin badly.
As for the rebounding - I doubt he will get 10rpg a game, though he is better rebounder than he is given credit for.

[SideSwipe]

Unless his back is really hurt, I don't think this is a good move. I wonder if Colangelo gave him the heave due to other, better players joining up a la Gilbert Arenas a few years ago.

That said, I think Robin really could have used the extra competition. It looks like his passion for the game and the chip on his shoulder motivates him, and I think his nasty side would have been good to have on the team. Certainly no guarantee of a win, but it really would have raised his profile on the world stage, and given him an oppotunity to work on his interior defense, while playing with other high-caliber players.

Also to all of those who say "I'm glad, he should stay away and work hard to improve his game for us" need to get a clue. This is a chance to represent the nation. There shouldn't be any greater honor. The rest of pro-ball is about $$$ and fame, and pales in comparison to the honor of being selected as part of the U.S. team abroad. I am disappointed anytime any player refuses except for issues like a previosuly scheduled, marriage, baby, injury or sickness. The rest are money/ fame whores with too much personal pride to contribute to national pride. Not a good sign. That's my take anyway. We have a great country, the best in the world, now show everyone else how we do it here!

[rordog]

Could have been a good experience for him but you'd much rather see him get 100% for the season and work on his jumpshot and offence through this off season.

[plonden]

As for the rebounding - I doubt he will get 10rpg a game, though he is better rebounder than he is given credit for.

He will definitely average over ten rebounds in his career and could even do so next season. His low rebounding last season was largely a function his minutes (19.3 per game). Check out his per-36 minute stats of 15.7 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game to see what he would have averaged if he had gotten starter's minutes. Assuming a general improvement of his statistics (which is plausible considering it will only be his third season and he hasn't hit his ceiling yet), 15 and 10 is not out of reach. Especially considering the Suns are paper thin at center and RoLo will be relied upon to play big minutes unless they make a couple more roster moves.

[ma_falaa_50]

he is hurt. u guys dont know that he had 2 DISKS in his back right?? thats chronic. ALthough it would have been good for him to play for team USA, I rather have him help us and be healthy all season and post season. China always made Yao play even though he was not 100 percent healthy and All that led to was him losing a whole season.

its good experience but not if it going to make his back worse.

[WTFsunsFTW]

The suns maintenance staff had to remove all the glass doors in the building hours before the medical staff made its suggestion

[le crapaud]

Robin is making a big mistake (sorry I mean suns FO pushing him to). Basically it says he's out of the US roster just for precaution because his back is fine...then it's a stupid move not going there. Playing in a international competition is wayyyyyy more valuable than just practicing his game in a training camp, there is no doubt about that. I really don't understand our FO, they want our young guns to develop...by not allowing them to play? It sounds ridiculous...especially since they are letting Goran play for slovenian team. So goran can and Robin no? Why? Because he's our only true center in the roster?

Is it risky to play? yeah...sure, well you can tell him to sit on his butt all year long then because practicing is risky too...walking on the street can be dangerous too. I hope Robin is okay with that, it's the kind of things that can destroy his relationship with FO, I mean if he can't play for his country because suns are saying so there is a right to be pissed.

[Harden_on]

The suns maintenance staff had to remove all the glass doors in the building hours before the medical staff made its suggestion

[Qwigglez]

It's a smart move. Imagine if Robin Lopez was out for half of the upcoming season. It would be worst than last year because at least we had Amare who was a low-post presence. Lopez is our anchor in the middle, and I think he'll average 14 and 9 next season assuming he is healthy.

[RaisingArizona]

The suns maintenance staff had to remove all the glass doors in the building hours before the medical staff made its suggestion

Nice.