Tag Archives: Ekpe Udoh

Former Cavs coach John Lucas is going to love this blog because it’s all about the “BIGS”.

The Cavaliers are in need of a halfway decent rim protector to come off the bench. So I searched the free agent market and looked at some teams that either have an excess of “BIGS” or just might be willing to deal one for a draft pick, and here’s the list of players I came up with.

VIA TRADE

JEFF WITHEY – 7’0 – 235 – 24 – Pelicans – $816,000

He only averaged 0.86 blocks per game, but that came in just 12 minutes per game. He’s young and would be a good role player coming off the bench for defense. Plus New Orleans has five PF/C on their roster. Might be able to get him for a future draft pick.

IAN MAHINMI – 6’11 – 250 – 27 – Pacers – $4,000,000

Averaged 0.94 blocks per game in 16 minutes per game. At 27, making $4 mill per season and with Indiana maybe looking to the future because of the Paul George injury and Lance Stephenson leaving through free agency, maybe Larry Bird would trade him for a future draft pick and a player to make the trade work.

TIMOFEY MOZGOV – 7’1 – 250 – 28 – Nuggets – $4,650,000

With four centers on the roster making about $23 million dollars amongst them,  Denver might be willing to dump his salary off on another team for expiring contracts and a draft pick. Mozgov averaged 1.22 blocks per game in about 22 minutes per game.

VIA FREE AGENCY

EKPE UDOH – 6’11 – 245 – 26 – UFA (Bucks)

Had some knee issues last season, but might be worth taking a chance on at a cheap price in free agency. Did average 3.4ppg-3.5rpg and 1 block per game in 19 minutes per contest.

JERMAINE O’NEAL – 6’11 – 255 – 35 – UFA (Warriors)

Yes he’s almost ancient, but played well for Golden State last year averaging 8ppg-5rpg and just under 1 block per game. If healthy, you might be able to get him for the veteran minimum.

EMEKA OKAFOR – 6’10 – 255 – 31 – UFA (Suns)

Missed all of last year with a neck injury, so obviously he’d have to be 100 percent healthy to even consider him. He’s really not a rim protector, but he is a big body who could clog the paint and maybe at least challenge shots. Not sure what type of salary he is looking for, that will factor into it as well.