Why We Should All Be Happy For Serge Ibaka

Serge Ibaka was signed to an extension through the 2016-2017 season. The talented Congolese big man is set to receive $50 million over his tenure in OKC. Money well spent?

Ibaka has become a force on the defensive end. In the 2009-2010 season, his first, Ibaka averaged 1.3 blocks per game. In the two seasons following that, he went on to improve that stat every year. Ibaka averaged 2.4 bpg in his 2010-2011 campaign and then exploded for 3.7 bpg this passed season. Ibaka has seen his usage increase as his game improved. In the last two seasons, he’s gone from a rookie year average of 18 minutes per game to 27 mpg in the following years.

Let’s talk efficiency. Ibaka’s raise in mpg may have warranted a more trigger happy approach. After all, he’s got a pretty good jump shot, averaging 46% from 16-23 feet out. But, Ibaka’s shooting attempts per game went from about 5 per game for his rookie season to 7.5 in 2012. He finds ways to be effective regardless. Ibaka combines his gaudy block numbers with 53% shooting from the field and 7.5 rpg, making him essential without being a team disruption.

Throw in the fact that he’s just 23 years old, I’d say it was money well spent. Sam Presti, and the rest of OKC’s front office should be happy.

Here’s why we, as hoops fans, should be happy.

Serge Ibaka’s past must be considered. To say very little, he’s seen a fair share of struggle:

Before he blossomed into the NBA’s leading shot blocker, Ibaka went through parts of life living without running water or electricity. At times, shoes had to be lined with cardboard to cover holes in the soles.

Via Darnell Mayberry.

Ibaka saw times get bad and sometimes get worse. But he’s about as grounded as a guy can get. Here’s what Ibaka had to say about it all, three years after having almost no discernible grasp of English:

“It’s amazing…It’s an amazing story. But the good thing about me, when I started playing basketball I was never thinking about money. I always told myself, ‘First of all, keep working hard. Try to do the best you can to get better and then everything will come.’

He has also shown a patience and self awareness not typical of a 19-20 year old. Back in 2008, when the Supersonics drafted Ibaka, the Congolese center was pressured from all sides to head to the NBA immediately. Despite all of that, Ibaka felt he wasn’t ready and decided to sign with a team in the Spanish League. The fact that Spain’s Liga ACB is considered second only to the NBA in quality must be considered. It has to be brought up whenever someone talks about how amazing Ibaka looks on the court and how he keeps getting better.

Serge Ibaka experienced a life of struggles and now has $50 million. He made a decision at 19 years old that practically everyone in the world disagreed with…and now has $50 million.

Shame on you if you can help being happy for the guy.

Hat’s off to great reporting from Darnell Mayberry.