While the Raptors should have some flexibility in free agency this offseason, they may ultimately have to decide between re-signing Marc Gasol or Serge Ibaka, especially if they re-sign Fred VanVleet, writes Eric Koreen of The Athletic.
As Koreen details, Ibaka – who is several years younger than Gasol – looks like the safer choice, particularly since Gasol has been slowed by health issues this season. However, considering the Raptors may prefer to hand out a big-money, one-year deal rather than make a multiyear commitment, age concerns may not be a major factor in the team’s decision, says Koreen.
After breaking down the Raptors’ numbers with each center on the court and noting Gasol’s abilities as a playmaker and as a positional defender, Koreen concludes that he’d probably prioritize Gasol over Ibaka if he were making the decision, since the Spaniard likely increases the team’s ceiling a little more — even if he comes with some added risk.
Here’s more from around the Atlantic:
- Following up on a report by Chema De Lucas (Twitter link), Emiliano Carchia of Sportando (Twitter link) confirms that Celtics guard Brad Wanamaker has no intention of leaving the NBA to return to Europe. Before joining Boston for the 2018/19 season, Wanamaker had built an impressive international résumé, winning multiple championships and several awards in Germany and Turkey.
- Derek Bodner of The Athletic explores how the Sixers would be affected if the 2020/21 salary cap comes in lower than initially expected. As Bodner observes, a tighter cap would make it harder for Philadelphia to trade Al Horford or Tobias Harris if that’s an option the team wants to explore. It could also substantially increase the 76ers’ potential tax bill.
- In case you missed it, we passed along a handful of Knicks and Nets notes earlier today.
Gasol over Ibaka would be a ridiculous decision. Get this ‘Koreen’ guy some mental help, and Gasol a walker.
I have to agree. Ibaka is 5 years younger and is averaging almost 9 points more per game in the same amount of minutes. I don’t really care what other secondary stats you look at to try and justify Gasol over Ibaka… it’s just not even really close — especially when you consider that Gasol has been on a pretty steep decline for the past couple seasons and you have to assume that will continue as he enters his age 36 season. Whereas Ibaka may not be the BPG champ he was when he was younger — he’s still obviously got plenty of gas left in the tank for several more years to come.
Trading Horford, Richardson and Smith for Heild and Barnes would increase our payroll abit but both Barnes and Heilds contracts go down 2mil a year each, which would be a positive.
In order to lessen the tax bill for next year, we could let Raul Neto, Glen Robinson’s deals both expire and look at releasing Mike Scott.
Off the bench we would still have Milton, Thybulle, Pelle, Shayok and then just grab vets on the minimum
Would take Ibaka over Gasol. Tough decision but Ibaka was much better this year and is able to stay on the floor more. Age is a concern for Gasol too, as he will probably regress even more soon. I love Marc Gasol, but Ibaka is just the better player to have nowadays.
Ibaka to the Rockets, Gasol might stay
Toronto is better with Gasol by far. There’s a difference of about 10 on/off team points between them and that’s what counts, even if Ibaka is a bit more fit. I think he’s been playing for his stats lately… he peaked about five years ago.
Watching Ibaka in the last playoffs launching futile 3s, I wouldn’t trust him for the next playoffs.
If Boucher is ready for backup, TOR should match for him, Gasol, and FVV.
Sooo right! Who on their right mind would choose Ibaka over Gasol, SMH!
Alright, next time I will make sure to check with you if I can have my own opinion.
not to worry, you’re correct
Either decision could be justified. I was reading a comment section where fans were like, Can this be over already?