[McDunkin]

When Real Madrid signed locked-out Oklahoma City Thunder blocksmith Serge Ibaka, he figured to be the missing piece to a puzzle the Spanish side’s been seeking for a few seasons now: A swatting specialist with speed, defensive skills and the proverbial tremendous upside.

Today, Spain-based Tu Basket reveals that, prior to Ibaka signing with Real, Madrid also had another NBA player on the hook for about the same price, namely the Portland Trail Blazers’ LaMarcus Aldridge. Reportedly, Madrid officials at that time preferred the possibilities with Ibaka, since the Blazer would need time to adapt and would be doing his first stint outside the U.S.; Aldridge’s attacking play also essentially represents a diametric opposite to Ibaka’s game.

Tu Basket correctly points out that perhaps the Madrid brain trust overlooked the fact that Aldridge had been good friends and teammates with Sergio Rodriguez since the latter first came to Portland in 2006.

Ibaka’s play has been lackluster for Real Madrid in both Euroleague and Liga Endesa competition. While second-best in the EL in blocks per minute, Ibaka is playing just 12 per game while averaging just 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds – serious comedowns from his 2010-11 season with the Thunder. His numbers are hardly better in Spain: In 12.0 minutes per game, his line reads 4.8 ppg, 2.8 rbg and 1.0 bbg.

Signed to a three-month deal, the expiration of Ibaka’s contract would allow Real Madrid to sign a replacement in early January. Would that be the time, wonders Tu Basket, to rectify a mistake and pen Aldridge?

http://www.ballineurope.com/european-basketball/euroleague/real-madrid-serge-ibaka-oklahoma-city-thunder-lamarcus-aldridge-portland-trail-blazers-7221/

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

 Basketball is a lot tougher when Kevin Durant isn’t around to make everyone look better than they really are. 

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

 I’m not watching those Italian games, but my guess is that the opposing team has plenty of Euros who can hit threes. They put them in the game against Ibaka and Ibaka has to guard those guys all the way out to three point land. Hence no blocks (the guy just sits there as it would be foolish to challenge Ibaka when there are other weaker defenders on the court) and no rebounds. On the flip side, Ibaka doesn’t help you that much on offense. 

So my guess is it is a match up problem and a little bit of that Euro coach, "I don’t play the guys that I don’t like mentality." From watching him play last year, there is no doubt in my mind that Ibaka is a baller though. And a great fit for the Thunder. 

[JayhawkFan23Participant]

I think that his stats would be a lot better if he got more minutes a game. I mean, he’s just playing 12 minutes per game! He should be a starter! And they are saying he is being disapointing? What more do you expect from a guy getting role player minutes? I don’t see disapointing being 2nd in the whole league in blocks while just being a role player. I say he is doing all right, but he is NOT being disapointing.

[omphalosParticipant]

@TallmanNYC; you’d think he would be stuck out on the perimeter, but in the game I watched against Nikola Pekovic’s team (can’t remember who it was) Ibaka was in the paint on D constantly. However, he remains very foul prone, and was really taken to school by Pekovic, who was dominant in that game. People were challenging him, and he was fouling them, it was simple as that. Which is why he’s only playing 12mpg, and in the game I watched he did indeed foul out.

Offensively, they didn’t really run any plays for him and we all know he remains incredibly raw, but he was hardly the game-altering defensive presence you would expect him to be over there. Hopefully he learns a few lessons about defending without fouling, because I like Ibaka and want to see him come good for the Thunder.

[The Scare Crow ReturnsParticipant]

Much like the Thunder in general…

[apb540Participant]

In what way are the Thunder overrated? 

[The Scare Crow ReturnsParticipant]

As I see it the Thunder are a team that might not stay together that long…

KD just got a Max Deal…Westbrook will more than Likely get the Max right now…Harden is under rated and over shadowed in OKC and could get a big offer when he becomes a FA…right now Durant and Perkins are the only long term contracts and both are fairly high price tags…factor in Ibaka and other key pieces to the puzzle…I can’t see that working out in The New NBA…OKC is bound to lose one of those guys, with Harden being the first to come to mind…maybe the Thunder work out Westbrook into the Picture(salary wise…) 2 Huge contracts is going to be the standard in the NEW NBA, so maybe the Thunder ride with KD and Westbrook and let Harden/Ibaka and Perkins walk…The Long Term Picture doesn’t look great for the Thunder, with factors like Westbrook’s and Harden’s Free Agency Status and indivual Goals…I think Russell would Bolt in a Heart Beat if he got a Chance to make Max Money in a Large market on HIS OWN TEAM…especially if The New CBA is going to implement a HARD CAP and Limit Team speading…The Thunder already have Big Contracts locked in(Durant and Perkins) can they really afford to pay Westbrook and Harden in a year and a half…I dont know enough to say Yes, and can feel safer to say 1 of their big 3 will go…

[Author]

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