Quote:
Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins
Ibaka is frustrating because of his physical tools, but he was also key to the defense OKC was able to use to frustrate the Warriors.
This is an interesting move because it helps out OKC from a salary perspective, because they can waive Ilyasova and save $8 million next year, but Oladipo was a primary option on a bad team and still couldn't score more than 16 a game; although he's a good defender, he's not exceptional. Unless his game takes a significant leap forward, OKC probably isn't as good on paper next year, although Sabonis the Lesser is an interesting pick for the future.
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Ibaka also caused a lot of turnovers on the offensive side. His defense is a but overatted because he's not a good straight up defender and teams focused on drawing him out of the paint where he was flat out terrible. He is a great shot blocker and cleaned up a lot. However, those skills are soon to be gone. He has prehaps the worst hands and BBIQ in the league. Westbrook has taken a lot of heat over the years for being selfish and a lot of that stems from not trusting Ibaka and Perkins to make simple plays. He obviously will hurt rim protection but Adams is the better interior defender and it's not close. In todays league you need to switch which Ibaka is terrible at. VO improves perimeter D and passing. Those are things the Thunder need. I think there still maybe moves left. It makes the Thunder a different team and I don't know for sure if that will be better, worse or in different. The fact is Ibaka had 1-year left, will get overpaid, and won't be worth his next contract. They will need money for Adams and Westbrook. Of course none of it matters if Durant leaves. I would say I hate the deal for Orlando more than I love it for the Thunder. It had to be done and I'm more than happy with what they got considering. Ibaka will dissapear on a team where he's a focus. Just terrible for a young team like that.
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