Not sure he is so inclined (see article below), but never know if MDA can do his player whisperer thing like he did with Amare and Marion. D'Antoni got those 2 to believe playing out of position was a good thing. http://sports.yahoo.com/news/why-the-thunder-traded-serge-ibaka-055837006.html
LOL...nearly 50% from the field and 39% from 3...still an above average rim protector and a familiarity with James Harden. Sounds good enough for me.
So you think he's lying and the league is lying about his age. Bwhahaha off the chains. He's going to get more than what Brewer got. The market value is totally different. I will say around 20 per year.
It's widely speculated he lied about his age during the draft and such to appear much younger. Especially since the Congolese have a history of doing exactly that to increase potential profit.
Hope he sounds food enough for a championship, because you trade and resign him that's it. No more improvement possible.
Ibaka is definitely not his age, definitely looks older and I can say the same for Biyombo. Can't tell u how many Africans I've heard of who change their age just to be younger. *I'm African, that's how I know but I'm not one of them lol*
I did a trade identical to this(minus Llull) in my rockets MyGM 2 days ago in 2k and am using this same starting lineup. I also threw in a first and received CJ Wilcox. Since this trade we're undefeated btw
I don't necessarily buy in to this thought. While I surely think it puts a strain on future deals and signings, while putting emphasis on having our cap pretty much spent. We still have room to improve. But I do agree with you, morey would be thinking about the future ramifications of type of trade and how it's hinders our ability for top end talent later on.
I think if the price is right - you do it. If you only lose minimal pieces and a future pick for a rental, so be it. Harden still has plenty of his peak left but he's also not getting any younger. The team is looking like it's heading in the wrong direction right now, it's pretty clear we need an injection/trade to get things rolling again. Ibaka when playing well is a fringe all star talent. I think he'd cause the Spurs and Dubs a few problems in the playoffs if we faced them, he would improve our dynamism and provide more shooting and rim protection. If we could acquire a young talent like Hezonja as well it would make the deal even sweeter. Harden - Gordon - Ibaka is a hell of a core to build around, especially in this system (assuming Ibaka can return to some kind of form and show his OKC play). I think if we acquire Ibaka and he plays well, Anderson may be the odd man out only because of his contract (because Morey will be looking to trade or make room for a legitimate 2nd star for James).
Classic example of our fans grossly overvaluing our players. Ibaka is a CLEAR upgrade over both Dek & Trez, and I like both players too
You're not just comparing talent. You have to look at money, length of contract, value, and the Rockets position relative to the rest of the league. Are you okay with a 4 month rental that doesn't actually move the Rockets into the conversation with the Warriors? If Ibaka isn't a rental, are you okay with a max or near-max contract, for a player who might be heading into his mid-30s and is already declining?
You don't think the Rockets can compete with GS w/ Ibaka? We've already shown we can compete NOW. The way the Rockets are shaping up this season there is virtually NO WAY Ibaka doesn't resign here. This is the perfect situation for him. Not only that but he adds to our defensive tremendously, the main area we need help at
