Portland Trail Blazers: 3 centers to target in 2022 NBA Free Agency
By Andy Quach
Portland Trail Blazers free agency center target: Serge Ibaka
The Portland Trail Blazers, along with extra depth in the frontcourt, could certainly use a little championship pedigree on their roster. Serge Ibaka would check both of those boxes, provide elite interior defense, and supply the Blazers with some much-needed versatility and size.
Like Dewayne Dedmon, Ibaka is both a shot-blocker and a floor-spacer — only Serge is a more reliable option in both facets.
Since the 2018-2019 season, he’s averaging a block a game while stroking 35 percent of his triples on 2.5 tries per contest.
While he was on the Clippers this year, opponents only mustered a measly 106.3 points per 100 possessions with Ibaka on the floor. That number jumped to 110.9 whenever he was on the pine.
For all of the reasons that Dedmon would be a perfect fit in Rip City, Ibaka amplifies them. Unlike Dedmon, Ibaka can also play power forward, which would allow the Blazers to form a jumbo frontcourt if needed.
He has a player option worth a little over $9 million for next season and could certainly choose to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks, who figure to be in the top crop of contenders next year. However, in the twilight of his career, Ibaka may be willing to opt out and try to land a smaller salary but a longer contract this summer to secure his financial future.
If so, the Portland Trail Blazers should bite and bring him back to the Northwest Division. He’ll certainly enjoy the food scene.