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NBA Free Agency: A starting 5 of the most overrated free agents

By Vince Massara

Mar 27, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) puts his hands on his head during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Raptors won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) puts his hands on his head during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Raptors won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Serge Ibaka, PF, Unrestricted

His story?

Don’t let a list like this fool you. Ibaka is still a useful player in the NBA. The shot-blocking, three-point shooting big is now definitely more useful for the three-point shooting than he is the shot blocking.

How was his season?

Ibaka’s season started at the “collection of talent” in Orlando. There he was one of the many bigs on the roster. That did not work, and apparently, it is not great to zig, when the rest of the league is zagging. Especially when you zig by having almost no floor spacing.

Ibaka was traded to the Raptors for Terrance Ross and a first round pick. Ibaka is a better fit in Toronto, where he shot a career-high in three-point percentage, off a career-high number of attempts. 

Why is he overrated?

“Serge Ibaka is a elite defensive player”. Well, Serge Ibaka was the 31st best power forward defensively, according to ESPN real plus-minus.

If Ibaka’s defense continues to drop as it has been the last few seasons, then he solely becomes a floor-spacing forward. Whilst, a good asset to have, paying top-dollar for a big who is the third or fourth option on a team is not ideal.

Ibaka looks to sign for over $20-million a season in Toronto, and if competition arises for his signature, his price will rise and the last few years of whatever deal he signs may not be one you want on your books.

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