serge ibaka

Josh Cohen

Serge Ibaka excels in the pick-and-roll. In fact, he ranked ninth in the NBA this past season in pick-and-roll (roll man) scoring. Ibaka sets solid screens and he’s terrific when he slips to the basket. He’s extremely athletic and can take advantage of slower, more deliberate defenders. WATCH Ibaka score in the pick-and-roll with Marreese Speights and Marc Gasol guarding him:

Ibaka also thrives in the pick-and-pop. He has a terrific touch from 10-20 feet from the basket. As a matter of fact, Ibaka was one of only three players in the NBA this past season to shoot at least 49 percent from the field from 15 to 19 feet from the hoop with at least three attempts from this distance per game (Nikola Vucevic and Kevin Durant were others). WATCH:

There was a two-week stretch in Feb. 2012 in which Ibaka recorded 10 or more blocks in three different games. He led the league in total blocks in four straight seasons. While he hasn’t been quite as dominant of a rim protector the last couple of years, Ibaka is still a major shot-blocking threat. He’s especially effective chasing down opponents in transition and denying easy buckets at the rim. WATCH:

Ibaka is one of the more dynamic and versatile power forwards in the league. He has very good lateral quickness and he’s not a liability when he’s forced into defensive switches. Ibaka is generally able to stay in front of speedy guards and he’s excellent using his length to contest shots from the perimeter and layups and floaters near the hoop. WATCH:

While he shot only 32.6 percent from 3-point range during the regular season, Ibaka shot an incredible 45 percent from beyond the arc during the playoffs. With his ability to stretch the floor, Ibaka rarely clogs the lane which allows guards more space to operate when they attack the lane. Ibaka is especially comfortable shooting from the top of the key. He shot nearly 48 percent from this spot during the postseason. WATCH:

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Film Room: 5 Most Important Serge Ibaka Strengths

orlasantiago

ORLANDO – El Orlando Magic ha adquirido al delantero-centro Serge Ibaka del Oklahoma City Thunder a cambio del escolta Victor Oladipo, el delantero Ersan Ilyasova y los derechos del Draft de Domantas Sabonis (selección #11), anunció esta noche el Gerente General Rob Hennigan.

“Serge (Ibaka) es un veterano quien trae una tremenda capacidad atlética y fortaleza a nuestra zona de ataque”, dijo Hennigan.  “También aporta una amplia gama de experiencia en los playoffs a nuestra lista de jugadores. Agradecemos a Victor (Oladipo) por todas sus contribuciones tanto en la cancha como en la comunidad. Le deseamos a él y a Ersan (Ilyasova) lo mejor en su futuro”.

Ibaka (6’10”, 235, 9/18/89) jugó y fue titular en 78 partidos junto a Oklahoma City la pasada temporada, promediando 12.6 ppj., 6.8 rpj. y una marca de equipo con 1.90 bloqueos por juego en 32.1 minpj.  Ocupó el sexto jugar en la NBA en tiros bloqueados, anotó en las dobles figuras en 62 ocasiones y anotó más de 20 pts. en seis ocasiones, incluyendo una marca de temporada con 25 puntos el 4 de enero vs. Sacramento.  Ibaka tuvo nueve doble-dobles, lideró (o empató) el equipo en rebotes en 14 ocasiones y agarró más de 10 rebotes en 12 ocasiones, incluyendo una marca de temporada de 20 rebotes el 27 de feb. vs. Golden State.  También participó y fue titular en los 18 partidos de playoffs, promediando 12.0 ppj., 6.3 rpj. y una marca de equipo de 1.33 bloqueos por juego en 33.5 minpj., mientras que anotó .521 (85-163) de campo y una marca de equipo de .449 (31-69) desde la línea de tres puntos.

Originalmente seleccionado en la primera ronda (24a selección) del Draft de la NBA del 2008 por Seattle (cual se mudó para Oklahoma City), Ibaka ha jugado en 524 partidos de temporada regular en su carrera en la NBA (413 como titular), todos junto a Oklahoma City, promediando 11.6 ppj., 7.4 rpj. y 2.48 bloqueos por juegos en 28.8 minpj.  Ha sido nombrado al “NBA All-Defensive First Team” en tres ocasiones (2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14) y es uno de sólo dos jugadores en la historia de la NBA en liderar la liga en total de tiros bloqueados en cuatro temporadas consecutivas (2010-14), uniéndose a Dikembe Mutombo.  Ibaka también ha participado en 89 partidos de playoffs, promediando 10.9 ppj., 6.7 rpj. y 2.49 bloqueos por juego en 31.0 minpj., mientras que anotó .513 (402-784) de campo.

Oladipo (6’4”, 210, 5/4/92) participó en 72 partidos (52 como titular) junto a Orlando la pasada temporada, promediando 16.0 ppj., 4.8 rpj., 3.9 apj. y una marca de equipo de 1.61 robos de balón por juego en 33.0 minpj., mientras que anotó .830 (205-247) desde la línea de tiros libres.  Originalmente seleccionado en la primera ronda (segunda selección) del Draft de la NBA del 2013 por Orlando, ha jugado en 224 partidos de temporada regular en su carrera en la NBA (167 como titular), todos junto al Magic, promediando 15.9 ppj., 4.4 rpj., 4.0 apj. y 1.63 robos de balón por juego en 33.2 minpj.  Oladipo fue nombrado al “NBA All-Rookie First Team” del 2013-14.

Ilyasova (6’10”, 235, 5/15/87) juegó en 74 partidos (56 como titular) junto a Detroit y a Orlando la pasada temporada, promediando 10.4 ppj. y 5.4 rpj. en 25.4 minpj., mientras que anotó .371 (96-259) desde la línea de tres puntos.  Fue adquirido por el Magic, junto a Brandon Jennings, a cambio de Tobias Harris el 16 de feb. del 2016.  Originalmente seleccionado en la segunda ronda (36a selección) del Draft de la NBA del 2005 por Milwaukee, Ilyasova ha participado en 527 partidos de temporada regular en la NBA (313 como titular) junto a Milwaukee, Detroit y Orlando, promediando 10.6 ppj., 6.0 rpj. y 1.1 apj. en 24.1 minpj., mientras que anotó .370 (524-1,416) desde la línea de tres puntos.  También jugó en 17 partidos de playoffs en su carrera, promediando 9.8 ppj. y 6.2 rpj. en 24.5 minpj.

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Magic Adquiere a Serge Ibaka del Thunder

Dan Savage

ORLANDO – The Orlando Magic have acquired forward-center Serge Ibaka from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for guard Victor Oladipo, forward Ersan Ilyasova and the draft rights to Domantas Sabonis (#11 overall), General Manager Rob Hennigan announced tonight.

“Serge (Ibaka) is a young veteran who brings tremendous athleticism and toughness to our frontcourt,” said Hennigan.  “His tireless work ethic and wealth of playoff experience will help enhance our culture and roster.  We thank Victor (Oladipo) for all of his contributions both on the court and in the community.  We wish him and Ersan (Ilyasova) the best of luck in the future.”

Ibaka (6’10”, 235, 9/18/89) played and started in 78 games with Oklahoma City last season, averaging 12.6 ppg., 6.8 rpg. and a team-high 1.90 blkpg. in 32.1 minpg.  He ranked sixth in the NBA in blocked shots scored in double figures 62 times and had 20+ points six times, including a season-high 25 points on Jan. 4 vs. Sacramento.  Ibaka had nine double-doubles, led (or tied) the team in rebounding 14 times and had 10+ rebounds 12 times, including a season-high 20 rebounds on Feb. 27 vs. Golden State.  He also appeared and started in all 18 playoff outings, averaging 12.0 ppg., 6.3 rpg. and a team-high 1.33 blkpg. in 33.5 minpg., while shooting .521 (85-163) from the floor and a team-best .449 (31-69) from three-point range.

Originally selected in the first round (24th overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft by Seattle (which moved to Oklahoma City), Ibaka has played in 524 career NBA regular season games (413 starts), all with Oklahoma City, averaging 11.6 ppg., 7.4 rpg. and 2.48 blkpg. in 28.8 minpg., while shooting .523 (2,558-4888) from the floor.  He has been named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team three times (2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14) and is one of only two players in NBA history to lead the league in total blocked shots for four consecutive seasons (2010-14), joining Dikembe Mutombo.  Ibaka has also appeared in 89 career playoff contests, averaging 10.9 ppg., 6.7 rpg. and 2.49 blkpg. in 31.0 minpg., while shooting .513 (402-784) from the floor.

Oladipo (6’4”, 210, 5/4/92) appeared in 72 games (52 starts) with Orlando last season, averaging 16.0 ppg., 4.8 rpg., 3.9 apg. and a team-high 1.61 stlpg. in a team-high 33.0 minpg., while shooting .830 (205-247) from the free throw line.  Originally selected in the first round (second overall) of the 2013 NBA Draft by Orlando, he has played in 224 career NBA regular season games (167 starts), all with the Magic, averaging 15.9 ppg., 4.4 rpg., 4.0 apg. and 1.63 stlpg. in 33.2 minpg.  Oladipo was named to the 2013-14 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Ilyasova (6’10”, 235, 5/15/87) played in 74 games (56 starts) with both Detroit and Orlando last season, averaging 10.4 ppg. and 5.4 rpg. in 25.4 minpg., while shooting .371 (96-259) from three-point range.  He was acquired by the Magic, along with Brandon Jennings, in exchange for Tobias Harris on Feb. 16, 2016.  Originally selected in the second round (36th overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft by Milwaukee, Ilyasova has appeared in 527 career NBA regular season games (313 starts) with Milwaukee, Detroit and Orlando, averaging 10.6 ppg., 6.0 rpg. and 1.1 apg. in 24.1 minpg., while shooting .370 (524-1,416) from three-point range.  He has also played in 17 career playoff outings, averaging 9.8 ppg. and 6.2 rpg. in 24.5 minpg.

magic-acquire-serge-ibaka-from-thunder

Magic Acquire Serge Ibaka From Thunder

ORLANDO – Looking to add veteran experience that will make an immediate difference and potentially springboard the franchise back into playoff contention next season, the Orlando Magic boldly traded for shot-swatting power forward Serge Ibaka on Thursday night.

To get Ibaka, Orlando surrendered guard Victor Oladipo, the expiring partially guaranteed contract for Ersan Ilyasova and Domantas Sabonis, who was selected with the No. 11 pick by the Magic in Thursday’s NBA Draft. Magic GM Rob Hennigan said he and Thunder GM Sam Presti talked throughout Orlando being ``on the clock’’ with the No. 11 pick, but the trade wasn’t agreed upon until after Sabonis was selected.

In the eyes of Hennigan and new head coach Frank Vogel, the price given up was well worth it because of the impact that Ibaka will have with his defense, versatility and big-game experience.

``We felt like this addresses our most glaring need, which is interior physicality, shot-blocking, toughness and rebounding and he’s someone who can play with Nik (Vucevic) and along with Aaron Gordon. We feel it just fits,’’ Hennigan said. ``(Defense) was a critical need to address this offseason and we feel like we addressed it.’’

Oladipo, Ilyasova and Sabonis were shipped to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Ibaka, a 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward who has blocked 2.5 shots a game over his seven-year career in the NBA. He has never been an all-star player, but he has always been considered to be a key cog on a Thunder team that relied on his rim protection and willingness to defer to superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

``Defensive versatility is huge and to have a guy who can not only protect the rim at the highest level, but someone who also has the skill set to switch out on smaller guards, in today’s small-ball NBA he become extremely, extremely valuable to what we want to do,’’ said Vogel, who took over the Magic as head coach in May. ``And when you add in that he fits into the direction that the league is going offensively with his ability to space the floor to the 3-point line … he’s a guy who really fits into the direction that we want to go.’’

With the No. 41 pick in the NBA Draft, the Magic selected UNLV center Stephen Zimmerman, a 19-year-old who is 7-foot tall and 240 pounds. In just 26.2 minutes a game this past season, Zimmerman averaged 10.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks a game.

With an already full roster, Orlando dealt the No. 47 pick to the Portland Trail Blazers. The Magic received cash and a 2019 second-round pick.

Hennigan is very familiar with Ibaka having been a part of the OKC front office that drafted the forward with the No. 24 selection in 2008. Hennigan can remember having dinner with Ibaka in Spain in 2008, but he refused to take credit for discovering Ibaka’s talent, instead saying, ``The Thunder found Ibaka.’’ The big man has gone on to be a first-team All-Defense player three times and the NBA’s leader in blocked shots twice.

Minutes before the No. 11 pick was announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Hennigan, CEO Alex Martins and several others in the Magic draft room clapped, hugged and celebrated – emotion elicited by the acquisition of the defensive-minded power forward in Ibaka.

The departure of Oladipo opens up more playing time and shots at the shooting guard position for Evan Fournier and Mario Hezonja – Orlando’s two best 3-point shooters. Fournier will be a restricted free agent on July, but the Magic have said they plan to match any offer sheet the team’s third-leading scorer gets this summer to retain him. Hezonja, the No. 5 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, will also likely be given more time at shooting guard following a rookie season that featured flashes of greatness.

``We love Vic and we know he’s going to be a heck of a player, but if there was one area on our roster where there was a surplus, (the wing position) was it,’’ said Hennigan, who selected Oladipo with the No. 2 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. ``We used the surplus to address a deficit.’’

Orlando traded away Channing Frye and Tobias Harris this past season to create salary cap space for the summer. That created an opening at the power forward slot and the Magic pounced on the opportunity to acquire a talented player in Ibaka, who should instantly improve Orlando’s defense next season.

Because of his ability to guard multiple players and stretch the floor with his improved outside shooting, Ibaka should be able to play alongside of Magic standout center Nikola Vucevic – Orlando’s leader in scoring and rebounding each of the past two seasons.

Ibaka, 26 and a native of the Congo, averaged 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 79 games this past season. In the playoffs this spring, Ibaka averaged 12 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.33 blocks in 18 postseason games.

Ibaka’s numbers dipped a bit the past two seasons, but the Magic feel that was due in part to his decreased role as the Thunder used big men Steven Adams and Enes Kanter more. In Orlando, the belief is that Ibaka will once again be a dominant defensive player and a versatile piece offensively.

``We feel very confident in Serge’s ability and I’d imagine that Serge is looking forward to maybe a little bit of a bigger role here,’’ Hennigan said. ``So I’m not concerned (about a numbers dip) at all.’’

In 524 NBA games over the last seven seasons, Ibaka has averaged 11.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. Ibaka is a career 35.5 percent shooter from 3-point range and he’s made 137 of those threes over the past two seasons while working to expand his range.

Oladipo, very much a key cog the past three seasons in Orlando, was in the Magic’s facility working out as recently as Wednesday morning. He has been a standout performer in Orlando the past three seasons, averaging 15.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 steals in 224 NBA games.

``I was very, very excited coming here about working with Victor and (trading him) is the disappointing part of this move,’’ Vogel said. ``But this is part of this business, but these are the moves that you’ve got to make to improve your team. Serge is someone who fits all of the areas that fit the style that we want to play.’’

OKC’s pursuit of Oladipo could have something to do with the team’s hope to retain superstar forward Kevin Durant, who like Oladipo hails from the Washington, D.C. area. Oladipo had two of his best games of last season against the Thunder – a triple-double (21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists) on Oct. 30 and 37 points on Feb. 3 on 13 of 20 shooting in Oklahoma City.

Ilyasova was acquired in February in the Harris trade with the Detroit Pistons. His non-guaranteed contract was attractive to teams looking to shed salary because he can be waived before July 1 in a cost-cutting measure. Sabonis, son of former Lithuanian star and Portland Trail Blazers standout Arvydas Sabonis, was also included in the deal after being drafted by the Magic at No. 11.

Martins, Hennigan, assistant GMs Scott Perry and Matt Lloyd and a host of scouts and staffers wore black #OrlandoUnited T-shirts in the team’s draft room to show support for those who died in the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub on May 12. The Magic, Orlando City, Orlando Predators and Orlando Solar Bears have banded together to sell the shirts with the proceeds going to the OneOrlando Fund.

Following the Thursday’s draft, dead ahead for NBA teams is the free-agent courting period, which begins on July 1. Salary cap figures for next season aren’t expected to be finalized until July 6 – the first day that free agents can officially sign with teams – but the cap could rise from $70 million this past season to $94 million in 2016-17. The cap will then take another significant jump for the 2017-18 season and it could rise as high as a record $110 million.

Orlando is expected to have approximately $35-38 million to spent this summer, money that it could use to attract two difference-making players.

The Philadelphia 76ers, owners of the NBA’s worst record this past season, won the NBA Draft Lottery in May and used the No. 1 pick to select Ben Simmons. The Los Angeles Lakers chose Duke University forward Brandon Ingram with the second selection.

Boston, which came into the NBA with an all-time record of eight picks, chose University of California small forward Jaylen Brown with the No. 3 selection.

Dragan Bender (Phoenix), Kris Dunn (Minnesota), Buddy Hield (New Orleans), Jamal Murray (Denver), Marquese Chriss (Sacramento, traded to Phoenix), Jakob Poeltl (Toronto) and Thon Maker (Milwaukee) were the other players selected in the Top 10.

Hennigan said he could understand why Magic fans might be upset about losing a player the quality of Oladipo, but he truly believes that the acquisition of Ibaka better balances the Magic and makes them a better team going forward.

``First of all, I love that our fans are so passionate, but as we look at the team a lot of times you have to make difficult decisions,’’ Hennigan said. ``We have a roster that is really well-balanced now. It was important for us to balance it in a way that addresses a very glaring need. Serge’s ability to protect the basket and defend in a very versatile way, we feel that will help to fortify a weakness for us.

``We did have a log jam at the wing,’’ Hennigan continued. ``As difficult as it was to trade Victor, we realize in order to get something really good you have to give up something really good.’’

Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by John Denton are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.

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Magic Acquire Serge Ibaka From Thunder in Draft Night Deal

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Due to Tropical Storm Nicole, the NBA has announced that the Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic game on Wednesday, November 9 will tip-off at 5:30 PM. Amway Center doors open at 4:30 PM.