Raptors address an area of concern as their slide continues

Already one of the best teams in the East, the Toronto Raptors have now become, at least on paper, the #one challenger to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Masai Ujiri chose not to wait until the NBA trade deadline to address the biggest positional need in the Raptors’ line-up. The Toronto Raptors‘ General Manager acquired Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic for Terrence Ross and the lesser of Toronto’s two first round picks in the 2017 draft.

The Raptors, who have been scuffling in recent weeks, believe this trade answers some major questions, like:

What’s the plan at power forward?
How can the team’s defense improve?
Do they finally have a #3 option on offense?

Ibaka – sound at both ends

Perhaps the most valuable quality of Ibaka’s game is his versatility, something the Raptors have lacked from their big men this season. Sure, Patrick Patterson is a vitally important player who brings some of the same qualities as Ibaka does. But he has been in and out of the line-up all year due to injury and even when healthy has not been the preferred choice of the Raptor’s coaching staff to fill the starting four role.

Feb 9, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) defends Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) during the second half at Amway Center. Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The newly acquired 27 year old brings a defensive pedigree that no one else on the team can boast. During his time in OKC, Ibaka was named three times to the NBA’s first team all-defense and led the league in total blocked shots for four consecutive years (2010-2014).

His defensive skills can be adapted to many different line-up configurations. He can play the five if the Raptors decide to play small ball with either Patterson or Carroll at power forward. He can also step out and guard some of the bigger wing players at the three position. He provides Dwane Casey with more options than he has previously had to work with.

Mirroring his versatility on the defensive end, Ibaka can also play multiple roles on the offensive end. He was an important part of the Thunder’s successful offense when he was there. Like Toronto, OKC had two ball dominant players who were the focal point of their offense and they benefited by having Ibaka as an offensive threat.

Ibaka has the ability to knock down threes at a rate of 36 per cent for his career, which rises to 42 per cent in the playoffs, which means he must be respected behind the arc by opposing defenses. If the defense stays glued to him, this can open up big driving lanes for DeRozan and Lowry, but if his man sags off of him, he will be open for plenty of drive and kick opportunities.

Will he return?

The Raptors had a clear need at the power forward and they addressed it in perhaps the most prudent way possible, because not only does Ibaka benefit your team this year, he can potentially help you down the road. Whether Ujiri traded for him or not, Toronto was always going to be a prime destination in free agency for Ibaka because of his close relationship with the Raptors’ president. And having acquired his Bird rights in the trade, it seems likely the two sides can come to an agreement in the offseason that will keep Ibaka in a Raptors’ uniform beyond this season.

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