Is Serge Ibaka Returning to NBA Quickly?

Serge Ibaka has been lengthy gone within the NBA since he performed for Real Madrid within the EuroLeague and the Spanish Liga ACB. Since then, he has not performed for the Milwaukee Bucks and as a substitute pursued alternatives overseas.

The 14-year veteran just lately posted a black-and-white image on his social media, which confirmed him coaching on the University of Miami’s fitness center, captioned merely: “@nba Comeback.” The put up shortly caught the eye of followers and analysts, sparking hypothesis about whether or not the previous NBA champion is gearing up for one final run within the league.

From NBA Star to European Standout

Ibaka’s final NBA look got here within the 2022-23 season, suiting up for the Milwaukee Bucks. During that season, he performed 16 regular-season video games, averaging 4.1 factors and a couple of.8 rebounds in somewhat over 11 minutes per contest.

Following his separation from the Bucks, Ibaka signed abroad with Bayern München for this 2023-24 season. Hoops Rumors reported that this rejuvenated his play there, recording 12.6 factors, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per recreation whereas capturing a powerful 48% from past the arc.

After his profitable cease in Germany, Ibaka continued his European journey with Real Madrid, though his function was extra restricted. He remained a gradual veteran presence, averaging 6.5 factors and three.3 rebounds throughout EuroLeague competitors, and confirmed flashes of the defensive prowess and capturing contact that after made him one of many NBA’s most feared huge males.

Decorated Career Built on Defense and Heart

For a lot of his NBA profession, Ibaka was an elite rim protector and versatile ahead. A Congolese-Spanish participant, he led the league in blocks thrice and was the cornerstone within the success of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s playoff runs through the 2010s. Along with Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook, Ibaka helped the Thunder enter the 2012 NBA Finals, the place they misplaced to LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

He later proved that he has the champion spirit with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, when he performed an integral half of their historic championship run. He is thought for his protection, rebounding, and mid-range capturing.

Could an NBA Team Take a Chance?

At 36, the very best years of Ibaka may be behind him, however his expertise, management, and defensive IQ could make him a lovely veteran possibility for groups wanting so as to add depth and mentorship within the frontcourt.

Last month, a Reddit consumer posted that Ibaka and Ulrich Chomche had been figuring out collectively. Chomche was later waived by the Raptors after lacking the coaching camp.

Some Redditors puzzled if Chomche is studying Ibaka’s 17-foot jumper. Others mentioned that mentoring Chomche will make him a greater stretch huge heart for an NBA staff.