LA Clippers: 3 reasons Serge Ibaka is a better signing than Montrezl Harrell

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors moves to the basket against Jarrett Allen #31 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half in game four of the first round of the NBA playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 23, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images)

Reason #2 Serge Ibaka is a better signing for the LA Clippers – Floor spacing

On the court, Serge provides a lot that Trezz just couldn’t. On the offensive end, his floor spacing will be a massive factor. This isn’t just something that he provides over Trezz, either. It’s something the team absolutely needed to find once JaMychal Green left for the Denver Nuggets.

Ibaka has always been a solid shooter but his three point game really has come along in Toronto. Just look at this tweet from Shane Young.

Can envision Ibaka screening for PG or Kawhi, then popping as they get downhill.

Regular season & playoffs combined, Serge Ibaka shot 86/205 on above-the-break threes last year. That's 42.0%.

Can also see him catching on the short roll, daring defenders to help off Morris/PG.
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) November 22, 2020

Those above the break three pointers will be huge for the Clips. Shane also mentions that defenders will have to make a decision whether to commit to Ibaka shooting or to stay home on Marcus Morris/Paul George/Luke Kennard/whoever. While Ibaka isn’t exactly known as a great passer, his assist numbers have increased with him posting a career-high 1.4 last season. He just needs to find that open spot.

Another benefit of having someone like Ibaka on the roster is the ability to play next to Ivica Zubac. Ibaka will likely come off the bench for the Clippers but depending on the matchup (maybe against, let’s say Denver?), Ty Lue could decide to start a bigger lineup with Ibaka at the four and Zubac at the five.

That’s something that just couldn’t be done with Harrell. In fact, the two spent just 0.2 minutes total on the court together last season. He and Zubac took up the same area and just couldn’t co-exist.

Ibaka is a better fit on the offensive end than Trezz, given his ability to stretch the floor while also still playing that same pick-and-roll game. That’s not his biggest benefit over Harrell though…