Veteran big man Serge Ibaka, who has been in the NBA for 14 seasons, is still looking for his next opportunity as free agency’s second month gets underway.
In a new interview with Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter video link), Ibaka explained how he can still help clubs in the league ahead of the 2023/24 season.
“A lot of things that I can bring to a team… basketball, experience of winning, playing with great players,” Ibaka said.
Speaking to Charania, the 33-year-old explained, from his perspective, how his season as a deep-bench reserve with the Bucks went awry. He was flipped to the Pacers in February as part of the four-team deal that sent Kevin Durant to the Suns, and Indiana subsequently waived him. Ibaka claimed that Milwaukee told him ahead of the year that he would be used as an injury replacement.
“[Then-head coach Mike Budenholzer] told me to my face: Listen, you’re coming here, I promise you nothing — but you never know, it’s a long season, guys can have injuries, you have to stay ready,” Ibaka said (h/t to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm and other staffers).
That proved not to be the case, and the club was cagey about why it continued to mostly hold him out even when big men ahead of him in the team’s rotation were hurt.
“It got to some point where I cannot take this anymore,” Ibaka said. “I love this game so much, but if this is going to take my peace of mind, my joy, it’s not worth it. I earned my respect in this league. At least communicate. I’m not asking about playing, I’m just asking for communication.”
Across just 16 games with the Bucks, the 6’10” center/power forward averaged 4.1 PPG and 2.8 RPG last season. Though the 2019 NBA champion may no longer be his peak All-Defensive Team self, he at least seems optimistic that he has more left to give.
Better go into cryo until we get massive expansion
over the hill
Serge Iblocka come to GSW to fill that 14th spot on the roster they said they wanted to use for a big.
Ibaka = Bogut 2.0? GSW needs this big body to put on Joker + AD.
Ibaka hasn’t brought anything to the table in like 3 seasons, once your back is hurt and your in your mid 30s it gets tough to be effective
I wouldn’t mind signing him at minimum. Knicks can use his experience. Plus it makes it easier to move Mitch and ease in Sims.
Rumors are that Mitch is not all that happy in NY. His hometown is NO.
I don’t think you know much about basketball with these points. Start Sims? Come on man
Always wanted Serge Ibaka on the Celtics. I remember his defensive awards, his shot blocking & three point shooting. I imagine he can still play. Celts can use him.
Would be a good fit for the Suns
Yes they could use him ….
The Cavaliers could use a backup when Allen and Mobley who won’t hurt the team on defense when he plays. Ibaka would be a seemless fit if he can still play.
Bulls could sign him as bench help at PF Center.
His career is close to the end. He simply didnt have the desire to play last yr and it’s his fault. He probably didnt want to work hard for minimum. And it looks bad for him to blame coaches and the team.
Sounds like he’s bringing he’s own basketball so good, always need one of those.
*his own