Serge Ibaka has been having a hell of a season for the Toronto Raptors, making him an irreplaceable piece on the team.
The Toronto Raptors have played above their expectations this NBA season, being a top-two seed in the Eastern Conference and one of the league’s best defensive units. Many players on the team have played exceptionally well, one of them being Serge Ibaka. Ibaka is having a sensational year, and he has been on a tear over the past month.
He missed some games early in the season due to injury, but since he returned, Ibaka has been something to behold. His all-around game is such an asset to Toronto, as he can be used in various situations on offence and defence. Even though he has played more of a bench role this season, that hasn’t stopped Ibaka from showing his versatility and effectiveness on the court. He just became the first player in NBA history to record 1,500 blocks and 500 three-pointers.
The Raptors have been dealing with injuries to their bigs, which has required Ibaka to play more. Marc Gasol, twice, has been slowed by hamstring tightness, and Dewan Hernandez continues nursing an ankle injury that has caused the rookie to miss extensive time in 2019-20. That means Ibaka, also Chris Boucher, have been tasked with holding down the fort while Gasol and Hernandez get healthy. Both have done a good job, but Serge has been on another level.
It’s safe to say the Raptors wouldn’t be where they are right now without the services of Mafuzzy. He is such an important player on the team and doesn’t get enough credit for it. Ibaka is an invaluable piece because he offers so many things that contribute to Toronto’s success as a team. What exactly are those things, you ask?
Here’s three: