How Does Serge Ibaka’s Playoff Return Impact Cavs on Joel Embiid?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are not in the NBA Playoffs but have some of the best fans in the world, fans who follow important games even when their teams are not in them. Unfortunately for most Cleveland fans those important games more often then not do not involve their team. Those who have watched the Western Conference Finals have seen the Oklahoma City Thunder go from getting blown out in the first two games, to blowing up the San Antonio Spurs in the next 2 games. The difference? Serge Ibaka. Even in Game 5, a game the Thunder lost, Ibaka’s lack of impact on the game was a key for the Thunder.

For the Cavs this brings up a draft related question: Should they see the impact of Ibaka and lean toward Joel Embiid instead of Andrew Wiggins or Jabari Parker? Ibaka is a power forward who provides great rim protection and “lurks” for any player driving to the basket on the Thunder. He often impacts the shots of players even without blocking them. He can cover great ground with his length, allowing his teammates to gamble more. On offense Ibaka has developed a solid mid range game and can play a little under the basket. His shooting provides spacing for Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to drive to the hole.

Embiid on the other hand is a center who provides great rim protection and “lurks” for any player driving to the basket. He impacts shots of players even when he doesn’t block them. He can cover ground with his length which helps him and his teammates to gamble a little more often. On offense Embiid is far more developed with his interior game, can finish with either hand and has a variety of post moves. His form on his jump shot is solid and his is steadily improving it. He won’t provide the same depth of spacing that Ibaka does but he provides far better interior offense then Serge.