Toronto Raptors: Stock Take, and OG Anunoby stands above the rest

Serge Ibaka

Last week, Serge Ibaka featured in the good books because it was good to have him back on the court after a fairly lengthy absence. Now, eh, it feels like the honeymoon period is somewhat over.

Over the last three games, Ibaka has definitely regressed and looked truly horrendous at times. Ibaka’s struggles have been a major factor in the Raptors’ bench struggles. This week, the second unit ranked second last in field-goal percentage, plus-minus, and 28th in points per game.

While that’s bad, the individual numbers for Ibaka also speak volumes to just how arduous this week has proven to be. He averaged 7.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, shooting a putrid 23.5-percent from the field and 33-percent from three. The rebounding numbers stick out, but largely in part to his 14-rebound performance against the Chicago Bulls.

Against the Clippers, Ibaka went 0-of-8 from the field and missed countless shots around the rim. Shots that he usually makes on a nightly basis. He was just awful, with lapses in concentration defensively giving up open looks for the Clippers shooters.

The Raptors need Ibaka to provide solid back-up minutes in their pursuit of success, but with an expiring contract on the books and Chris Boucher looking to break through, dare we start talking about a trade for the best-dressed man in the NBA?

Hopefully, this is just a blip, but Ibaka has played himself into the bad books.

VERDICT: STOCK DOWN