GOLDBLUM wrote:
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Everything Serge Ibaka
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G__Deane wrote: View Post
Who's the best now?
Although after tonight's games it will probably be either Whiteside, Davis, Isaac or Lopez. All four are playing tonight, and all four lead the league in blocks per game.
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Serge gets a shout out by Zach in his Ten Things article this week:
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...-lakers-lebron
7. The steadiness of Serge Ibaka
Three years ago, when the Raptors re-signed Ibaka to a three-year, $65 million deal, he appeared at risk of accelerating decline. He had lost some of the athleticism that made him such a feared all-court destroyer on defense. That happens to everyone. Good players compensate with improved feel and IQ. But Ibaka hadn't made much progress reading the game.
He still hasn't, really. But Ibaka staved off further decline, and established himself as a bulwark on both ends for the injury-ravaged Raptors.
Moving to center almost full time has helped. It simplifies Ibaka's responsibilities. He screens for Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet, slips into space, and flicks up midrangers. He has gorgeous chemistry with both Toronto point guards. Lowry could probably find Ibaka blindfolded, and has made a point over the past two seasons of feeding him in his sweet spots.
Ibaka's offensive rebounding and free throws have bounced back to near-prime levels since his shift to center. He is still explosive on second jumps, and has a good sense for when to chase put-backs -- when he has a crease, or when the Raptors need a jolt of energy.
His passing reads at center are more basic. Ibaka will never make the pass that surprises the defense, but he can make the simple one to the next link in the chain. That's enough.
Playing center parks him near the rim more, and he's still a deterrent there; opponents have hit just 49% of shots at the basket with Ibaka nearby, 9th lowest among 113 rotation players who challenge at least three such shots per game.
Remember: The Raptors don't win the title without Ibaka. He had some massive moments in their run: 17 points in Game 7 against the Sixers, including three gigantic triples (remember that contested pull-up over Ben Simmons from the right corner?), and 50 points over the past three games of the Finals. Nick Nurse busted out the Ibaka-Marc Gasol double-center look against Philly, and it worked.
Maybe Ibaka never became the player we dreamed he could be. Instead, he grew more comfortable in his own skin, and honed his core skills. There is dignity in that.
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planetmars wrote: View PostSerge gets a shout out by Zach in his Ten Things article this week:
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...-lakers-lebron9 time first team all-RR, First Ballot Hall of Forum
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bertarapsfan wrote: View Post
For all the serge deniers out there.."Never apologize for coming to me. Office hours are for patients.
My kitchen is always open to friends"
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Dr Hannibal Lecter wrote: View Post
Yeah..but were .500 team with Gasol out, ppl forget how good Gasol is when his center for raps, raps defense is another level with him, Ibaka is very erratic, gambles, yes he block shots, but makes mistakes..Gasol doesn't give offense like he used 2, but his the cog the make raps D..top 5 in league.To be the champs you got to beat the champs
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KeonClark wrote: View Post
Product of surviving through 2 eras
First 5 years: 45 3PM, 997 BLK
Final 6 years (this year included): 457 3PM, 660 BLK
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