I praised it with my previous article to come out of the trade deadline with an accomplished big man like Jakob Poeltl from the Spurs (who eventually went back to the team that originally drafted him in 2016, the Toronto Raptors). That obviously was a bust but there's still an opportunity to grab someone through the buyout market/waiver wire with some similar abilities (plus more).

A veteran big man presence off the bench is definitely needed for the Warriors to make a playoff push. The small-ball lineup can only work in certain situations and against smaller opposing rosters. The Warriors need to add versatility at that stretch 4/5 to make a run not only out of the Play-In Tournament but to be seriously considering a championship repeat.

The 33 year-old Serge Ibaka is right on the top of my list. The 6’10” forward/center didn’t get much of an opportunity with the Bucks who are at the top of the Eastern Conference and recently just got waived by the Indiana Pacers.

Golden State fans are very familiar with Ibaka’s skill set over the years. Serge is a sound shot-blocker, intelligent defender, not scared to play against bigger defenders in the paint, and, most importantly, a solid three-point triggerman for his large size. He could really lift the struggling second unit and be a solid replacement for the loss of James Wiseman.

The Warriors would love to have his team presence and energy off the bench even despite their history in the playoffs with the Thunder and the Raptors recently. Ibaka has played in some very important playoff moments against Golden State so the two are very well-versed with each other.

An experienced big man is key for another NBA Finals chase. Not a wing (not exactly sure what’s going on with Andrew Wiggins but he’ll be back soon enough). Not a backup guard (Ty Jerome has unexpectedly stepped up and I have trust in him). Serge Ibaka is the answer for the 2nd unit.

Follow Arden Cravalho on Twitter @a_cravalho.

(Photo credit: Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)