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Knicks Trade Rumors: Serge Ibaka Could Be The Answer To New York’s Woes

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) reacts and celebrates against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) reacts and celebrates against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 27, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) shoots against Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) shoots against Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Offensive Spacing

Serge Ibaka played for the Spanish national team at the 2012 London Olympics and came back with an outstanding midrange game. He’s since expanded his range to beyond the arc, where he’s both productive and efficient.

By acquiring Ibaka, the New York Knicks would create an interior duo that consists of two elite shot-blockers who can both shoot from anywhere on the court.

One of the primary issues with the Knicks’ offense in 2016-17 has been poor spacing. There are shooters all around, but Joakim Noah’s offensive appeal is his ability to facilitate from the high post and he doesn’t receive enough touches to do so.

Thus, teams play off of Noah and collapse on slashers due to his ineffectiveness as a shooter.

With Ibaka and Kristaps Porzingis on the floor, the Knicks would create one of the best interior duos in the NBA. Both can anchor the defensive interior with their mere presence and shot-blocking abilities, and both can space the floor and shoot the lights out.

Ibaka has made 73 3-point field goals on 38.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc in 2016-17, and Porzingis checks in at 80 on 38.1 percent shooting.

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