The Oklahoma City Thunder are vulnerable in the frontcourt. They’re reportedly targeting Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson in a trade deadline deal.
Strong play in the frontcourt was key to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s deep run in the 2016 Western Conference Playoffs. However, Kevin Durant departure in free agency and Enes Kanter’s injury troubles have left the Thunder vulnerable at the rim in 2017.
The Thunder are looking to upgrade their frontcourt at least temporarily with Kanter sidelined for the rest of the regular season. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, they’ve targeted Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson as a suitable, short-term solution down low.
The Thunder are currently in seventh place in the Western Conference at 32-25. They’ll make the playoffs, but will need a serious boost to get past the San Antonio Spurs or the Houston Rockets in the first round.
Gibson is a great rotational player that can come in, block shots, get rebounds and score in the low post. He’s in the final year of his contract with the Bulls, where he’s spent his entire NBA career. Chicago has a bit of a frontcourt logjam, so it isn’t surprising to see Gibson’s name circulate in NBA trade deadline rumors.
While Oklahoma City probably needs shooters to complement All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook, rim protection and a low-post presence could be key in helping it become a formidable team in the plalyoffs.
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Stein points out that Oklahoma City is usually active during the NBA trade deadline. Expect general manager Sam Presti to look for deals that can help his club both in the short-term and in the long-term. Getting Gibson would be a wise short-team acquisition.