Warriors Legend Urges the Team to Sign Raptors’ Center During NBA Free Agency

The Golden State Warriors have had a big man problem for a few years now. But with the 2nd overall pick in the upcoming draft, they are rumored to pick James Wiseman, who is the best center prospect in the draft.

Warriors legend and Hall of Famer Rick Barry feels the team needs to attack free agency instead of relying on the draft. He has one target for them – Raptors’ free agent, Serge Ibaka.

“The guy that I’d like to see them get… it would be unbelievable. I love Serge Ibaka,” Barry said. “He can shoot the 3, he can rebound, block shots. That would be a heckuva addition to this team.”

Speaking about the draft, Barry said, “There’s nobody out there (that makes me say), ‘Wow, this guy is gonna be an unbelievable, great NBA player that you can build your team around… I would rather have a veteran guy than a rookie coming into the league when you don’t know what the hell is gonna happen.”

Drafted 2nd overall by the Warriors in 1965, Barry played for the Warriors franchise for eight years. He spent two years with the San Francisco Warriors and then six with the Golden State Warriors. Known for his iconic underhand free throw, Barry helped the Warriors to a title in 1975, which was the last title they won before Stephen Curry led them to the championship in 2015.

Will Serge Ibaka fit in the Warriors’ system?

The 31-year-old is one of the most reliable big men in the league. Not only is he an excellent rim protector, but he can also shoot from deep. Shooting 36% from three in his 10-year career so far, the stretch big from Congo will fit perfectly in the Warriors system.

The biggest problem is, the Warriors don’t have cap space. They will have to use a veteran minimum for him, similar to what they did with DeMarcus Cousins, back in 2018. But after having a solid season in 2019-20, averaging 15.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, Ibaka is likely to receive much better offers.

If they miss out on Ibaka, the Warriors have other options like Paul Millsap, Dwight Howard, and Aron Baynes. Although Howard cannot shoot, he is the best defender out of the lot. However, Millsap and Baynes can help stretch the floor.

While all of them can command better contracts, the prospect of winning a title at Golden State can be appealing to many.