The Toronto Raptors were one of the best clubs in the National Basketball Association, standing next to the Cleveland Cavaliers throughout the first half of the season. However, from second place, the Raptors plummeted to fifth place. But Toronto has now acquired big man Serge Ibaka in hopes of getting back on track.
The Raptors, who have expressed their need for a big man, have landed Ibaka from a trade with the Orlando Magic, Yahoo Sports first reported. To acquire the sweet-shooting stretch forward, Toronto shipped high-flying Terrence Ross and a 2017 first round pick to Orlando.
Before Ibaka was traded in the offseason from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Magic, the Raptors have already expressed their interest in the seven-year veteran. However, a possible deal meant the Raptors giving up so much that general manager Masai Ujiri decided not to pull the trigger. Waiting proved to be the best thing to do for the Raptors as they now have the best chance to make a run in the Eastern Conference with the arrival of Ibaka.
Ujiri said that he has known Ibaka for a longtime and that the Spanish-Congolese has a lot to offer for the young Raptors squad, most especially his playoff experience and his stint in the NBA Finals, SportsNet reported.
With Ibaka at the helm, the backcourt duo of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan will have more space to play on as opponents will need to guard Ibaka who has turned to a decent shooter from three-point range. Also, if Ibaka brings back his past style of play that earned him three NBA All-Defensive First Team honors, the Raptors is on the right track in climbing the Eastern Conference ladder.
Ibaka is having a career season of 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Watch the video below for the details of the Ibaka trade: