3 buyout players that make sense for the Cleveland Cavaliers

By Chad Porto | Feb 17, 2023

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 01: Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Danny Green #14 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 01, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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Nov 16, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Serge Ibaka (25) drives for the basket during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Serge Ibaka

While Alex Len is a good upgrade at the back of the bench, Serge Ibaka could actually be a viable veteran. He’s only 33, and it’s not like he doesn’t have the skills to keep playing. Yes, he fell out of favor in Milwaukee but that’s because he played a similar style to Brook Lopez, brother of Cavalier’s center Robin Lopez. Brook Lopez is longer, bigger, and a better shooter at this stage in his career as opposed to Ibaka.

What makes Ibaka of interest isn’t the fact he’s only two seasons removed from dropping 11+ points per game, it’s the fact that he fits the Cavaliers’ scheme pretty seamlessly. He can play defense still, at a pretty high level, and if you couple him with Jarrett Allen, and -or Evan Mobley, and-or Isaac Okoro in a lineup, then Ibaka may be pretty useful.

Plus he’s not far off from his career three-point average at this point in his career. He’s not going to be the difference maker on a team, say like Donovan Mitchell’s arrival was, but he is someone who can provide enough action off the bench should Mobley, Allen, or Dean Wade go down with an injury.

That’s his best fit currently.

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