4 former Raptors set to return to Toronto for the first time in 2021-22
By Joseph Zita
2. Serge Ibaka: December 31 vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Muck like Green, Serge Ibaka signed with a new team in the 2020 offseason and hasn’t had the proper return to Toronto yet. However, that’ll change on December 31 as the Congolese star finally makes his return to the place where he won an NBA championship and where he became an instant fan favorite.
While Ibaka wasn’t the shot-blocker that he was in Oklahoma City, but he was able to put forth some of the best offensive performances of his career in Toronto. Furthermore, those numbers game within the context of winning games. Losing Ibaka was a major blow for this team.
Serge Ibaka looking pretty mobile after back surgery. pic.twitter.com/MYPsLlnCFL
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) September 29, 2021
The Toronto Raptors can welcome Serge Ibaka back this year.
It honestly was disappointing that Ibaka left Toronto in the 2020 off-season to sign in Los Angeles with the Clippers, as the Raptors not only lost Ibaka, they also said goodbye to Marc Gasol while staying in desperate need of guys who can play the four and five spot.
Clearly, we all know how that turned out and I’m just glad they improved in that area this offseason.
Unlike Green, Ibaka did receive his 2019 championship ring, so his homecoming back to Toronto this year will be more so be about embracing and celebrating what he did here for the team. It’s hard to ask for better production from a stretch big than what Ibaka provided during his stint.