Krapinsky wrote:I guess. You'd also add the #13 pick in there, which would provide some wing depth, and I suppose - who knows, add a new coach and we might surprise people a la Phoenix this year. I just can't fathom the horror of fielding a team where Martin is the primary scorer.
I think it would be much more about team play and scoring by committee rather than relying on Martin. In fact from what we saw last night I'm thinking about starting Budinger and bringing Martin off the bench. Bud doesn't have the anti synergy with Rubio that Martin does.
I also think Ibaka and Jackson are still rapidly improving and would fit really well with our own younger guys in rubio, dieng, shabazz. I ended up watching OKC vs HOU last night with my gf and her mom and I gotta say, I'm not all that sure OKC trades ibaka and jackson for love heh.
Ibaka was 11-17, 2-4 from 3, 3-4 from the line. He had 27 points, 9 rebounds, 6 blocks, 4 assists, and 2 steals. His range is improving, hitting three's now. He's tenacious shot blocking and his passing has improved and he's a solid rebounder that has become a reliable scorer from pretty much all over. In the paint, mid range, and now even from 3. Paired with Rubio and Pek I think he gives us 85% of Loves offense but 500% more on defense.
Jackson wasn't hitting his threes, he went 7-14, 1-5 from 3, 2-2 at the line. 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 17 points, and only 2 turnovers. Westbrook was DNP coaches decision so that is starting but he is the absolute ideal backup PG behind rubio. Having Jackson lead our 2nd unit would be a massive upgrade.
I think Pek can get 20, Ibaka can get 20 (he's never played with a center that warrants defensive attention like Pek or a passer like Rubio), Brewer can get 10, Buddinger 10-15, Rubio 10+. Then off the bench Dieng can get 10, Martin 15, Jackson 10, Shabazz 5-10, depends on his development. That's 110 points on the low end without a back up PF in the equation so while it won't happen like that every night, the potential is there and defensively keeping opponents below 100 would translate into a lot more wins.
I want to keep kevin love really bad, but if he won't commit and we can get ibaka and jackson for him? I'd do it in a heart beat. Imagine down the road if Dieng is starting with Ibaka. That's like 10 blocks a game and all that sexy rim protection you guys like so much.
