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Philadelphia 76ers: Top 5 Free Agency Targets

By Simon Smith

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) and President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo (M) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (L) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) and President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo (M) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (L) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Serge Ibaka trade rumors
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Serge Ibaka, Orlando Magic

Age: 27

2016-17: 15.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 48.4 FG%, 38.5 3P%, 30.6 MPG

As currently constituted, the Sixers are certainly stocked on the frontline. Aside from Embiid, the Sixers also have lottery draft selections in Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor and Dario Saric. Add to this current starting power forward in Ersan Ilyasova and there is no shortage of options for coach Brown.

The only problem is that each of these players has noticeable flaws. Noel is limited offensively, Okafor struggles defensively and Saric is still young and developing. And while Ilyasova has been a positive acquisition this season, he is now somewhat of a journeyman, currently playing on his fifth team in the past three seasons.

Ibaka provides a terrific option as the Sixers’ stretch-4. Paired up next to Embiid, Ibaka would give the Sixers a formidable defensive lineup. Still just 27, Ibaka has already been named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team on three occasions, and has twice led the league in blocked shots.

Newly installed Magic head coach Frank Vogel recently observed:

"“There’s no question he’s an elite big man. He’s one of the best two-way big men in the game. No other way to put it with the way that he shoots the ball from the perimeter, he’s scoring in the post and he’s really trusting the pass. And he’s a force on the defensive end.’’"

Furthermore, his current three-point conversion rate of 38.5 percent is exceptional. With the ability to spot up from deep and also work on the inside, the flexibility Ibaka would bring the Sixers would be immeasurable.

Currently in his eighth season in the league and with a trip to the 2012 Finals under his belt, Ibaka would be an excellent addition to an emerging Sixers group.