01 Dec 2015 15:15:13
Ibaka to philly
First off I know there isn't a great fix in philly when there isn't much to work with. The biggest problem in my mind is a lack of any leadership. Philly of course has some pretty good young talent and the cornerstones of the franchise are the big men. I say if your going to go this way then you need a mentor like KG is in Minny. My idea is for philly to trade for a young yet experienced big men to mentor Noel Embiid and Okafor while being a leader on and off the court. Ibaka would be ideal for this role.
Why Ibaka? Since being drafted Ibaka was considered a project but excelled fast because he worked hard and stayed focused into his development. This is the type of example and motivation Philly needs to grow. As of right now Phillys oldest player is Carl Landry and he doesn't have the credibility or the talent to lead the 76ers. Ibaka has developed and accomplished a lot at such a young age in the NBA. Also Ibakas age at 26 isn't extreme for the young 76ers thus giving him more credibility.
Why would the thunder trade Ibaka? Recently it seems the general consensus for the Thunder is that they need to make deal and shake up the roster before Durants free agency because the current team isn't working. The identity of the thunder would vastly change if Ibaka changes because of the impact he has for the thunder defensively. I feel they would need a good deal of talent in return to make up for the loss of Ibaka.
Finally the deal.
Philly trades: Robert Covington, Hollis Thompson, Jerami Grant, Carl Landry ( possibly a future 1st)
Thunder trades: Serge Ibaka, Steve Novak
Thunder receive young talent while added information depth to their roster. Kanter would replace Ibaka while Covington and Thompson while provide much needed scoring and depth off the bench. Grant has a lot of potential and will battle with Payne.
01 Dec 2015 16:34:44
There is no way thunder do this.
01 Dec 2015 16:49:44
You are absolutely, 100% not getting Ibaka for that package. All three of Covington, Thompson and Grant are average rotation players without enough upside to sway the Thunder into making this deal.
Saric and a 1st would have to be included for the Thunder to even consider this.
01 Dec 2015 17:34:02
I bet the sixers may throw Saric into the deal or a first or two. Depends on if they desire a cornerstone right away or not. Okafor is consired the cornerstone now but with his troubles they may look to find a leader. Ibaka can be a number one option if given a chance and I think the sixers would want that enough to sacrifice some of the future for the better.
01 Dec 2015 19:04:04
Thunder will hang up the phone if sixers don't add 2 1st round picks
Noel and okafor are the only players on the sixers with any trade value. The rest of the sixers are d-league players.