Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves: 1 free agency target from each Western Conference playoff team

By Dylan Jackson

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 17: Serge Ibaka #9 of the LA Clippers attempts to block a pass by Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on February 17, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 17: Serge Ibaka #9 of the LA Clippers attempts to block a pass by Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on February 17, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 14: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Los Angeles Clippers. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 14: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Los Angeles Clippers. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Timberwolves free agency targets: Serge Ibaka

The Los Angeles Clippers are currently regarded as one of the best teams in basketball. Lead by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the team has a huge group of surrounding role players that all fit together nicely.

Serge Ibaka has presumably always been the ideal fit alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. He’s big, can block almost anything inside (once nicknamed Serge I-Block-a), and can hit open threes. Really, Ibaka is the ideal big man for modern basketball. Currently in Los Angeles, he is taking up the full mid-level exception, and has a player option for this coming season.

This past season, Ibaka averaged 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block per game in 23 minutes per appearance. While his 3-point shooting took a hit (only 34-percent in comparison to 39-percent in 2019-20), he is an undeniably consistent role player that is able to help any team reach the playoffs.

Ibaka could either start at the power forward position or come off of the bench as the third big in Minnesota’s rotation. He makes a lot of sense in either role, particularly if he is able to continue to build on his production the past several seasons.

Ibaka is not the player defensively he once was (averaging nearly four blocks per game in his third NBA season), but he doesn’t have to be. His presence as a veteran and great two-way player is more than enough to be considered valuable to the Timberwolves – especially if he decides to sign with the team.