NBA Trade Rumors: 5 destinations for Taj Gibson

Let’s consider a team who could benefit from a new big man to finally stabilize and complete their second unit to the best of its ability once and for all. It wasn’t until DeAndre Jordan was sidelined with pneumonia for two games that Josh Smith was able to get off the bench recently, as he’d received a DNP for eight of 10 games until his last two outings as the final option as a small-ball center.

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that he’s not one of Doc Rivers’ favorite players. With this in mind, it’s hard to deny that the Clippers would be better off with another big man they can utilize properly to help Blake Griffin and Jordan while avoiding their dismal lineup with Smith at center.

Gibson could be the perfect final piece in the Clippers roster. Despite their recent improvement to 12th in defensive efficiency, it’s obviously still the weakest side of the team. Plus, they rank just 21st in the NBA for rebounds per game.

This can’t continue if they really want to pose a threat in the postseason, and Gibson addresses these flaws and can give them a typical frontcourt with genuine size off the bench beside Cole Aldrich.

On the other hand, the Clippers may stay as they are and not make another move after all the changes made this summer. It obvious helps maintain good chemistry and their bench has really been stepping up in the absence of Griffin. Even Paul Pierce has been more effective as a stretch four. At the same time, though, there’s no point keeping players like Lance Stephenson and Smith if they aren’t going to be played.

If these two or a fairly expendable piece like Jamal Crawford (whose instant offense can help the Bulls) could be sent to Chicago for a talent like Gibson, it would give the Clippers one of the deepest and most well-rounded frontcourts in the NBA. More importantly, it would seriously help their chances to contend in the playoffs.

Next: 3. Utah Jazz