#9 Pick – Charlotte Bobcats: Serge Ibaka (Originally: D.J. Augustin)
Serge Ibaka has been the defensive staple on two completely separate finals teams. One was last year’s NBA champions, Toronto Raptors, and the first was the 2012 OKC Thunder.
In his younger years, Ibaka was one of the best rim protectors in the entire NBA. As he’s gotten older, he has developed a much more consistent offensive game.
Ibaka is averaging 16.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this season while shooting 39.8 percent from the 3-point line. All while coming off the bench when the team is at complete health.
Ibaka has made an All-Defensive Team three times in his career and is a two times block champion.
Like Lopez, Ibaka has very much had two phases to his successful career. His first one was as a young, energy big man in OKC. Surrounded by players as talented as Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Kevin Durant, there wasn’t much room for Ibaka to shine on the offensive end. Thus, he assumed the role as the defensive anchor. Because of that, Sam Presti opted to trade James Harden instead of Ibaka.
The second phase of his career continues as a member of the Raptors. He initially slotted in at power forward for Toronto, playing alongside Jonas Valanciunas. When Nick Nurse took control, he started playing Ibaka at center, where he thrived. Ibaka played a big role in the championship last year and has arguable only gotten better this season.
As he still has the opportunity to grow and sign another big contract as a free agent this offseason, Ibaka has had a top-10 career in this draft class and is well-deserving of this No. 9 selection.