Could be very difficult.
I can't believe I just wrote that, but it's true. The man averaged 11 points and 6 rebounds as a starter, on 25 minutes a night. How can that not be replaced? And if not replaced, easily absorbed amongst 3 future Hall-of-Famers (Nashty, Hill and Amare), a borderline All-Star and a second unit that's a joy to watch?
But it's true. The Suns are deeper than any prior team since Nash's return - a 10-man rotation so strong a lottery pick can't crack it - but their depth at the 5 position is poor. Of course, the same can be said for most every team out there. Can you count more than 2 or 3 teams with a viable backup center?
So what happens to the Suns without Robin Lopez?
WITH Lopez, even when he only gets 4 points and 3 rebounds in 17 minutes, the Suns outrebounded the Portland Trailblazers 48-45 and won the game by 7 points.
WITH Lopez, on good night statistical night where he gets 19 and 10 and 4 blocks, the Suns lost the rebounding battle 48-44 but still won by 10.
Both of these teams are among the best rebounding teams in the league (6th and 7th in rebound rate overall). And we fought them to a standstill.
WITHOUT Lopez last night, against a poor rebounding team (18th in rebound rate overall), the Suns lost the rebound battle by 5,236 and we almost lost a game in which we'd led 60-35 late in the second quarter. Well, 5,236 might be exaggerating a little, but I'm making a point here. Just go with it.
For the season, the Suns are -3 on the rebounds without Lopez starting and +3 when he's in the lineup. That's not only a 6-rebound difference, but it's the difference between winning the whole battle and losing it.
So how does he make such a difference?
I don't know. And I don't really care. I just want him back.
Can we please have ONE season without a playoff-impacting injury? Please?