3 Important Free Agents the Toronto Raptors Need to Lock up
By Joseph Zita
2. Serge Ibaka – 30 years old – PF/C
2019-20 stats – 50 GP – 16.0 PPG – 8.3 RPG – 1.5 APG – .518 FG% – .398 3P% -.748 FT%
At my number two spot on this list, I have the “Mafuzzy Chef”, Serge Ibaka. Despite Ibaka entering his early 30s, I believe he is a huge part of this team’s success, not only this season but seasons prior and as well a part of the reason why they won the championship last year.
Ibaka splits the heavy minutes in the center roll along with Marc Gasol, and they both tend to have big matchups in games. However, Gasol is currently 35 years old and is another player who needs a contract this offseason, although I don’t see the Raptors bringing back Gasol over Ibaka strictly because of age and production. I can just see them bringing back Ibaka over Gasol if they choose to bring back only one of them.
The Toronto Raptors can’t afford to lose both Ibaka and Gasol unless they are going to go after big free-agent big men in free agency this offseason that can replace the minutes of these two men. They do have Chris Boucher who can play at the four and the five, however, I can’t see him chewing up those minutes just yet and he is a lot smaller than both Ibaka, and Gasol for big matchups.
Ibaka brings a lot to the table when he steps on the court, he’s a great player at the four or the five and can easily stretch the floor. His mid-range game is one of the best on the team and his three-point shooting has been consistent all career-long, especially this season posting up his career-high of .398 3P% with playing more than 20 minutes. (Stats from Basketball-Reference.com)