If Serge Ibaka is available, what would you give back OKC??

[Ed Hollison]

A couple of years ago I felt he was the ideal frontcourt guy for where the league was going: blocks shots, switches on defense, shoots the 3, and does this all from the power forward position so you can pair him with a center who lacks those skills, or you can play him at center in small ball lineups.

But this year he clearly hasn't looked himself. Look at his per-36 minute stats. Versus the previous two years, he's down in points, rebounds, 3p%, FT%, and FGA. And just watching him, he doesn't look the same.

Can anyone explain this?  It's not age (he's only 26).

[celticsfan8591]

A couple of years ago I felt he was the ideal frontcourt guy for where the league was going: blocks shots, switches on defense, shoots the 3, and does this all from the power forward position so you can pair him with a center who lacks those skills, or you can play him at center in small ball lineups.

But this year he clearly hasn't looked himself. Look at his per-36 minute stats. Versus the previous two years, he's down in points, rebounds, 3p%, FT%, and FGA. And just watching him, he doesn't look the same.

Can anyone explain this?  It's not age (he's only 26).

It actually might be his age, a lot of people think he's a few years older than his listed age. But in any case, he's also had some injuries that may have affected his explosiveness.

[jambr380]

A couple of years ago I felt he was the ideal frontcourt guy for where the league was going: blocks shots, switches on defense, shoots the 3, and does this all from the power forward position so you can pair him with a center who lacks those skills, or you can play him at center in small ball lineups.

But this year he clearly hasn't looked himself. Look at his per-36 minute stats. Versus the previous two years, he's down in points, rebounds, 3p%, FT%, and FGA. And just watching him, he doesn't look the same.

Can anyone explain this?  It's not age (he's only 26).

Well, the last two years, there have been major injuries to Westbrook ('14-15) or Durant ('15-'16). I realize that doesn't explain his percentages, but maybe his game has been thrown off with a lower usage rate this year.

I would still be very happy with Ibaka on the Cs. I know he isn't a superstar, but he would be a humongous upgrade over Sully. We could also likely offer him a bigger role.

[Evantime34]

I'm a huge Ibaka fan, but I'm not giving up more than Bradley for him. He's going to be an expiring contract next year and unless I get assurances he will consider staying, I'm not going to trade for a one year rental.

[nickagneta]

My scenario would be landing the #1 pick, taking Simmons, then packaging the #16 pick, Olynyk and Bradley and maybe something more for Ibaka. Don't know exactly what OKC would want.

But then you but Ibaka at center as a floor spacing center to get out of the way for Simmons creativity at getting by people to get to the rim and use his inside game.

IT
Smart
Crowder
Simmons
Ibaka

is a formidable starting five.

BTW, I wouldn't give much more than what I offered for Ibaka. He only has a year left on his contract and that's about all I would be willing to sacrifice for what could be a one year player.

[Evantime34]

My scenario would be landing the #1 pick, taking Simmons, then packaging the #16 pick, Olynyk and Bradley and maybe something more for Ibaka. Don't know exactly what OKC would want.

But then you but Ibaka at center as a floor spacing center to get out of the way for Simmons creativity at getting by people to get to the rim and use his inside game.

IT
Smart
Crowder
Simmons
Ibaka

is a formidable starting five.

BTW, I wouldn't give much more than what I offered for Ibaka. He only has a year left on his contract and that's about all I would be willing to sacrifice for what could be a one year player.

Love the idea, but I think with Ibaka becoming a restricted free agent after the 2017 season I think Olynyk, Bradley and a pick is an overpay.

[kiwiceltic]

My scenario would be landing the #1 pick, taking Simmons, then packaging the #16 pick, Olynyk and Bradley and maybe something more for Ibaka. Don't know exactly what OKC would want.

But then you but Ibaka at center as a floor spacing center to get out of the way for Simmons creativity at getting by people to get to the rim and use his inside game.

IT
Smart
Crowder
Simmons
Ibaka

is a formidable starting five.

BTW, I wouldn't give much more than what I offered for Ibaka. He only has a year left on his contract and that's about all I would be willing to sacrifice for what could be a one year player.

Love the idea, but I think with Ibaka becoming a restricted free agent after the 2017 season I think Olynyk, Bradley and a pick is an overpay.

Agree. I wouldn't want to throw away too much for a rental, Amir and #16 or #23 should be enough. If they're not interested in picks I'd say Bradley & JJ.
 

[alldaboston]

 Imagine Bradley, Ibaka, and Dwight on the same team. That defense would be so good.

[loco_91]

Gotta remember Ibaka is a FA in 2017. Do not want to overpay for a one year rental... it's not as though he's going to win us a championship.

[indeedproceed]

Gotta remember Ibaka is a FA in 2017. Do not want to overpay for a one year rental... it's not as though he's going to win us a championship.

Step 1: Get Ibaka

Step 2: ....

Step 3: Profit!

But seriously if the pick is outside the top 3 I would trade that in a heartbeat for Ibaka.

[Quetzalcoatl]

I would do Ibaka and 2 OKC 1sts for James Young to clear space for them if we can't get any real FAs to sign this year

[jambr380]

So we have Bradley, KO, and a first;

or, the BKN pick;

or Young, with us getting back two firsts from OKC.

I am not sure which way is up anymore. I always just assumed it cost Bradley, but would be pretty psyched if OKC paid us to take him.

[Moranis]

My scenario would be landing the #1 pick, taking Simmons, then packaging the #16 pick, Olynyk and Bradley and maybe something more for Ibaka. Don't know exactly what OKC would want.

But then you but Ibaka at center as a floor spacing center to get out of the way for Simmons creativity at getting by people to get to the rim and use his inside game.

IT
Smart
Crowder
Simmons
Ibaka

is a formidable starting five.

BTW, I wouldn't give much more than what I offered for Ibaka. He only has a year left on his contract and that's about all I would be willing to sacrifice for what could be a one year player.

Love the idea, but I think with Ibaka becoming a restricted free agent after the 2017 season I think Olynyk, Bradley and a pick is an overpay.

Using those guys though allows Boston room for 2 max contracts (or near max contracts).  If you use Amir you don't have that option.