Ten Best Trades in Toronto Raptors History
By Go Paolo
7. Serge Ibaka from Orlando for Terrence Ross and a TPE – Feb. 14, 2017
Once upon a time, Terrence Ross was widely regarded as a potential star. The 6’7” swingman was drafted eighth overall in the 2012 draft but has been more inconsistent than the weather in October. Ross won the 2013 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest and exploded for 51 points, tying a then-franchise record.
But he only averaged 9.5 points in five seasons with the Raptors and was no more than a sixth man at best. It’s a wonder how Masai Ujiri managed to trade him for fringe-All-Star Serge Ibaka.
Ibaka was a far cry from his Oklahoma City version where he twice led the league in blocked shots. His blocks per games steadily decreased each season, but he was still a solid defender and had recently just developed his three-point shooting.
The Raptors swapped an unpredictable bench player in Ross for an invaluable stretch-four in Ibaka.
Ibaka, the three-time All-Defensive player hasn’t exactly lit the league on fire since coming over from Orlando. In one-and-a-half seasons with the team, he has averaged 13 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. But he is efficient and has upgraded the Raptors’ frontcourt defence.
Ross has remained the same in Orlando. After a hot start with the team, he regressed last season having his worst statistical year since his rookie year while battling injuries.