Ideal big man for this Celtics squad would be Ibaka

[Endless Paradise]

He's good, I'd love to have him, but he's still a PF.  We need a Center

I disagree. No you don't. Ibaka is 250 pounds and can guard guys like Deandre Jordan.  Plus the "new" nba is going small, especially in the 4th. It's happening everywhere

Agreed. Ibaka is an effective center nowadays. He wasn't when he was younger but he gotten physically stronger and is a much improved man-to-man now.

Ibaka hasn't played many minutes at center since Steven Adams began to establish himself late 18 months ago (Adams & Perk take up almost all C minutes, Collison gets some too) but Ibaka got a fair amount of minutes prior to that. OKC used Durant at PF alongside Ibaka at C in a running lineup. They were lethal in transition and very difficult to defend with that extra spacing on the floor. It was a very effective lineup against the Spurs in particular. Ibaka did well against Duncan. A few years earlier, Ibaka wouldn't have been able to handle Duncan. Duncan was just too big and strong for him. But Ibaka has gotten stronger and improved his post defense considerably since then. He can majority of centers down low now.

I often wonder if Ibaka would be better off at C than a PF. At times he can be neutralized defensively (as a shot-blocker) by teams who play stretch PFs. Ibaka gets pulled away from the basket and is unable to protect the paint. His instinct is always to help on defense and he often over-helps and badly defends perimeter shooters as a result. Ibaka would be much less susceptible to situations like this if he played the C full time and playing closer to the basket would allow him to contest a greater number of shots than playing the PF position does. It would also increase his offensive value because having a center who can knock down 18-20 footers consistently (and sometimes 3s) opens up the paint for everyone else. Improves team speed and transition play (offensively and defensively).

I wouldn't have thought playing center full time was a good option for a Ibaka a few years ago because Ibaka got pushed around too easily in the post but his improved strength and defensive fundamentals have made this a legitimate possibility for him now.

Ibaka's still a relatively slender guy; he make be strong, but he's, like, wiry strong.  That said, his help defense and weak-side blocking makes him better suited to play the 4.  He can play the 5 in smallball lineups (which OKC now has the capability of running out more often with the new acquisitions), but for OKC, at least, he's best at the 4.  Especially now that Kanter's on board -- he and Ibaka are basically a perfect pairing.

[Smartacus]

Don't see The Thunder giving up Ibaka but it seems like alot of this thread is more interested in to around the basket defense and rebounding. If we're looking for a similar physical profile but more of a center then what about signing Bismac Biyombo?

Would never lead us in scoring but he has an edge to his game, is probably stronger than anyone on our team and could set hard screens for our new found treasure trove of guard talent. I'd be comfortable offering 5-6 mil per year to get him in green.

[crownontherocks]

Id really like to get deandre jordan.

[jambr380]

Don't see The Thunder giving up Ibaka but it seems like alot of this thread is more interested in to around the basket defense and rebounding. If we're looking for a similar physical profile but more of a center then what about signing Bismac Biyombo?

Would never lead us in scoring but he has an edge to his game, is probably stronger than anyone on our team and could set hard screens for our new found treasure trove of guard talent. I'd be comfortable offering 5-6 mil per year to get him in green.

I would be willing to take a waiver on Biyombo for sure, but would rather have KG here to help mentor him.

[Tr1boy]

Drummond would actually be the perfect guy. Still very young and developing. However, unlike Ibaka, who's isn't the best rebounder around, he's one of the best in the league. He can't space the floor like an Ibaka can, but he's much more deadly on dives to the basket, putbacks, and lobs. Brings skills that we simply don't have.

Drummond IQ is too low for CBS system.   

Deandre Jordan the same. 

Yes what they can provide is top notch. But the other things they will likely struggle in. 

They won't get much min in crunch time also

[indeedproceed]

My dream is that we somehow magically get a superstar |SF in this years' draft (as a selection), land Monroe in free agency, and trade for Serge Ibaka (which would never happen this offseason, and the needle probably doesn't move next summer either).

[Tr1boy]

Don't see The Thunder giving up Ibaka but it seems like alot of this thread is more interested in to around the basket defense and rebounding. If we're looking for a similar physical profile but more of a center then what about signing Bismac Biyombo?

Would never lead us in scoring but he has an edge to his game, is probably stronger than anyone on our team and could set hard screens for our new found treasure trove of guard talent. I'd be comfortable offering 5-6 mil per year to get him in green.

I'm telling you, CBS needs a big player that can make the jump shot. Or can drive and finish or is skilled around the post/yet is mobile . Being good at PNR may not be enough

Biyombo has zero skills on the offensive end other than being a garbage man.   Teams will lay off guarding him. Then everyone else gets guarded 1.5 man . Spacing will be all messed up and tough shots will have to be made. Especially down the stretch.

A team like the Spurs would also not go near a guy like Biyombo. 

[Tr1boy]

My dream is that we somehow magically get a superstar |SF in this years' draft (as a selection), land Monroe in free agency, and trade for Serge Ibaka (which would never happen this offseason, and the needle probably doesn't move next summer either).

That is a nice dream.  Monroe coming over is possible.  However he would not provide much more on the defensive end (vs Zeller). Maybe is a tad better rebounding

This team really could use a Ibaka as one of the last pieces of the puzzle.     

I would give up Okafor for Ibaka

[Smartacus]

Don't see The Thunder giving up Ibaka but it seems like alot of this thread is more interested in to around the basket defense and rebounding. If we're looking for a similar physical profile but more of a center then what about signing Bismac Biyombo?

Would never lead us in scoring but he has an edge to his game, is probably stronger than anyone on our team and could set hard screens for our new found treasure trove of guard talent. I'd be comfortable offering 5-6 mil per year to get him in green.

I'm telling you, CBS needs a big player that can make the jump shot. Or can drive and finish or is skilled around the post/yet is mobile . Being good at PNR may not be enough

Biyombo has zero skills on the offensive end other than being a garbage man.   Teams will lay off guarding him. Then everyone else gets guarded 1.5 man . Spacing will be all messed up and tough shots will have to be made. Especially down the stretch.

A team like the Spurs would also not go near a guy like Biyombo.

Fair points all around even The Spurs backup bigs can function on both ends of their system. If we were to sign Biyombo it could be the second coming of Perk's okc career. Just a square peg in a round hole.

[chambers]

Triboy you're 100% right.
Serge Ibaka is the ideal big man for every team in the NBA lol.


While we're talking about untouchable players- why don't we talk about trading for Lebron or Anthony Davis too?

Ok he's not on their level but he is untouchable for the Thunder while Durant and/or Westbrook are there. Absolutely untouchable.
Alot of stats geeks actually claim that Ibaka is more important to the Thunder than Westbrook because of his defensive presence and ability to stretch the floor.

[Tr1boy]

Triboy you're 100% right.
Serge Ibaka is the ideal big man for every team in the NBA lol.


While we're talking about untouchable players- why don't we talk about trading for Lebron or Anthony Davis too?

Ok he's not on their level but he is untouchable for the Thunder while Durant and/or Westbrook are there. Absolutely untouchable.
Alot of stats geeks actually claim that Ibaka is more important to the Thunder than Westbrook because of his defensive presence and ability to stretch the floor.

I don't care about the other teams

Now my pt is also the type of big man this team can use or best fit with what CBS likes to do out on the floor

Other possible targets

Jordan Hill -  Can make the open jump shot. Mobile and decent rim protector/rebounder

Kyle O'Quinn - Can make the open jump shot.  Not that mobile or agile but hardworking. 7'5 wingspan disrupts things on the defensive end.  Likely not long term solution

Robin Lopez - Like O'Quinn. More established player


Lopez is a FA next season and will be looking for a 5-7 million a season long term contract. Still young - 1988 born.