3. Serge Ibaka
There were rumblings about the Heat going after Serge Ibaka at the trade deadline, but ultimately, it was just a whole lot of smoke. It’s not like Miami had much to offer either, considering their lack of assets at the moment.
Rather than lose a valued young player like Tyler Johnson or Josh Richardson in attempt to swing for an Ibaka deal, Riley did the right thing by standing pat. (Do I get anything for being the one millionth person to use that terrible pun?)
Ibaka is set to hit free agency this summer, so Miami will still get its chance to recruit the veteran rim protector, who is presently averaging 15.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, while shooting 39 percent from three.
Those numbers may not seem like much at first glance, but according to Basketball Reference, Ibaka is one of just four players since 1980-81 to average over 1.5 blocks, 6.0 rebounds, one three and shoot at least 38 percent from beyond the arc. For the record, one of the other three is someone named Dirk Nowitzki.
It’s hard to find a better fit for what the Heat need than Ibaka. He can aid Whiteside in blocking shots while maintaining the floor spacing that helps the offense hum.
Full disclosure, the Toronto Raptors received his Bird Rights when they traded for him, so they’ll have a leg up on the competition for Ibaka’s signature. It’s difficult to see him signing anywhere but Toronto, but who knows. Just get him in a room with Riley and anything is possible.