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Toronto Raptors season report cards: Grades for each Individual

By Jordan Skuse

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 27: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the media after Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Washington Wizards during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 27: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the media after Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Washington Wizards during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, CANADA – JUNE 7: Serge Ibaka
TORONTO, CANADA – JUNE 7: Serge Ibaka /

Serge Ibaka

In an effort to keep their own version of a big three together, the Raptors re-signed Serge Ibaka to a 3-year, $65 million deal. When Ujiri traded for Ibaka, giving up Terrence Ross and Toronto’s 2017 first-round pick, I was somewhat giddy with excitement at what Ibaka’s presence could mean for this team, especially in the post-season. And I wasn’t alone.

Looking back, that first-rounder would be nice to have right about now. Not so much to draft another young player but rather to attach to Ibaka as part of a potential trade.

Ibaka’s first full season was a mess. Billed as the third option on offense, he scored more than 20 points eight times all season. In the playoffs, he did it once. His playoff point total was 87…in 10 games (you do the math)…and he scored 23 in one of those games. So we are left with 64 points in nine games – a woeful 7.1 points-per-game.

Defensively, Ibaka showed flashes of Dikembe Mutumbo throughout the season, including openly mimicking his finger wag whenever he’d block an opponent’s shot. The problem was he seemed to wear down quickly, unable to handle the rigours of an 82-game regular season. It’s critical that Ibaka gets healthy, first and foremost. From there, he needs to become a more capable and confident ball handler. Too often the ball would find his hands and the whole rhythm…. of…… things…… would …….get ……..disrupted.

Whatever the case may be, whether in Toronto or elsewhere, Ibaka, with two years remaining on an expensive contract, must make major strides this off-season. If he doesn’t, he’s going to become a cap albatross who’s future in the league will suddenly be somewhat in jeopardy. As much as Ujiri would maybe like to get out from under this contract, it’s hard to foresee another team taking it on without receiving draft pick compensation in the process. The first round pick included in that deal feels so much like a cheap way to sweeten a deal in 2K18. Masai might have got slightly 2K’d there. 

GRADE: C- (D in the playoffs)

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