Throughout Orlando’s awful 2020-2021 season, one positional group, in particular, stood out as a weak spot. That weak spot was the Center group. Yes, Orlando has young, talented Centers in Wendell Carter Jr. and Mo Bamba, but both players had their struggles last season. Bamba was in and out of the starting lineup due to injury, and Carter Jr. didn’t have nearly enough time to become acclimated in the lineup. The Magic also have reserves like Mortiz Wagner, Ignas Brazdeikis, and Donta Hall under contract for the next couple of seasons, but Orlando is lacking much-needed talent at the position. Thankfully, Free Agency is upon us, and there are multiple players that immediately provide offense and defense. Although this year’s group of Centers are weaker than usual, there are three Free Agent Centers that stand out as suitable options for Orlando to sign.
The #1 Target for Orlando: Serge Ibaka, Center, Los Angeles Clippers
Interestingly enough, a reunion in Orlando for Ibaka is quite possible this summer. If Ibaka decides to decline his $9.7 million player option, he’ll be able to enter Free Agency. Ibaka does have injury concerns, as he missed 31 games this year. Even in limited playing time, Ibaka’s production didn’t drop off whatsoever, by averaging 11.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 1.8 APG in 23.3 MPG. Although Ibaka isn’t known for his scoring, he makes up for it with his impressive shooting. In his limited playing time off the bench, Ibaka hit 51.0% from the field and 33.9% from downtown this season. Along with his shooting, Ibaka’s good defensive play makes him a tantalizing Free Agent. Averaging 0.2 SPG and 1.1 BPG off the bench is no easy feat. In a Free Agent class where there aren’t many reliable Center options, Ibaka’s two-way ability will make him highly sought-out this summer.
The #2 Target for Orlando: Richaun Holmes, Center, Sacramento Kings
If Orlando would rather sign a younger and cheaper option, then adding Holmes would be the move. At just 27-years-old, Holmes has quickly proven himself as one of the NBA’s emerging Centers. In spite of spending the 2020-2021 campaign in Sacramento, Holmes notched his best statistical season to date, averaging 14.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, and 1.1 BPG, all career highs. Holmes was also able to stay away from the injury bug and Covid-19, missing only 11 games. With this kind of production, it may seem surprising that Holmes has only been making $4.8 million with the Kings, so it likely that Holmes is due for a big paycheck. Holmes certainly believes so, as he wants a contract extension similar to a four-year, $80 million contract. It may be a steep price to pay, but Holmes may be an essential part of the Magic’s upcoming rebuild.
The #3 Target for Orlando: Enes Kanter, Center, Portland Trail Blazers
After bouncing from team to team in Free Agency, Kanter was able to quickly find success in Portland this season. Kanter did have to take a smaller role off the Trail Blazers’ bench, but still posted one of the best statistical seasons of his career. The nine-year pro averaged 11.2 PPG, 11.0 RPG, and 1.2 APG in 24.4 MPG. Kanter was also able to stay healthy throughout the entire season and played in all 72 regular-season games. Like Holmes, Kanter’s exceptional production did go unnoticed and should be in for a big pay-raise this offseason. After making just $5.0 million this year with Portland, Kanter is set to become an unrestricted Free Agent. Kanter will certainly be sought out by other teams, but Orlando does have the cap room to possibly sign him. A possible three-year, $31 million contract could be enough to send Kanter to Orlando.
