Above are players that A) have been connected to us in some way over the past few years, B) are plausibly attainable either through trade or free agency in the next year, and C) potential fits at either the 4 or 5 spot next to Horford.
So my question is this - assuming a lineup of IT, Bradley, Crowder, and Horford, which of the above players (or some player not listed) would be the best fit next to Horford at the 4 or 5 in our system?
Now, I'm specifically talking about basketball fit, but it's impossible to ignore context, too. So things like contract status/amount and whether or not we can get them as a free agent versus a trade can also come into consideration.
For me, I think two names up there stand above the rest in terms of fit - Ibaka and Cousins.
Ibaka is seemingly an absolute perfect fit next to Horford. Not only is he a two-way force that can hit the three like Horford, but he also is an excellent rebounder and seemingly fits the character of our team. It also helps that he's a free agent next summer, though I certainly wouldn't give him the full four year max. I think we're a legit title contender with Ibaka at the 4 for us.
As for Cousins, he is less of a perfect fit than Ibaka, but his overall higher talent level makes up for that weakness in this regard. He'd give us a second go-to scorer in the starting lineup, an excellent rebounder, interior scoring, and even spacing with his improved jumper. While he's not the defender that Ibaka is, especially on the perimeter, he's a solid interior defender that would undoubtedly help our rim protection and interior defense. The only issues with him are what it would take to trade for him and his potential attitude issues, though I don't think they'd be a problem in our environment.
Who do you see as the most ideal fit for us next to Horford?