Tag: Serge Ibaka

Report: James Harden trying to force his way to Brooklyn

James Harden teaming up with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn continues to look more like a realistic possibility.

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James Harden joining the Nets continues to gain more traction ahead of the conclusion of the NBA trade moratorium on Monday at noon.

Brian T. Smith of Houston Chronicle reported on Monday that Harden now definitively wants out of Houston. Furthermore, Harden is “trying to force his way via trade to Brooklyn,” so he can rejoin former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Kevin Durant.

Following Smith’s report, Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Heavy.com reported Harden “has officially requested a trade,” adding that Brooklyn remains the perennial MVP candidate’s top destination is still Brooklyn.

And there may be more to this potential Thunder reunion in Brooklyn.

Robinson is reporting Serge Ibaka and the Nets have strong mutual interests. This comes after Mike Mazzeo reported Durant is recruiting Ibaka.

RELATED: How would James Harden fit in with Nets?

RELATED: Everything Nets fans need to know with NBA trade moratorium ending

PHOTOS: Brooklyn Nets player salaries for 2020-21 and beyond

Report: Kevin Durant recruiting former OKC teammate Serge Ibaka for Nets

The Nets are already hosting a Phoneix Suns reunion in Brooklyn, why not an Oklahoma City Thunder one, too?

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Kevin Durant has officially been reunited with former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Royal Ivey in Brooklyn, with the retired guard joining Steve Nash’s coaching staff in Brooklyn on Wednesday after spending two years with the Knicks as an assistant.

But Ivey may not be the only former Oklahoma City teammate Durant is reunited with in Brooklyn this offseason — one who, like the Nets’ superstar forward and Kyrie Irving, has championship pedigree after winning the 2019 NBA finals as a member of the Toronto Raptors.

Yes, Serge Ibaka could very well be on his way to Brooklyn. And if the forward elects to sign with the Nets — he’s a free agent — Brooklyn fans can thank Durant. According to Mike Mazzeo of Forbes, Durant “has been recruiting close friend Serge Ibaka to join the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent.”

And based on Yahoo Sports’ Keith Smith’s report, Ibaka fits a need the Nets are trying to address this offseason.

Trade idea: Thunder’s Steven Adams joins Toronto Raptors

If the Thunder are looking to salary dump Steven Adams, the Toronto Raptors could be an option with Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol entering free agency.

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The two Toronto Raptors bigs, Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, are entering free agency.

A quick way to replace them with a starting center on a short-term deal is to trade for Steven Adams.

This trade isn’t exciting for the Thunder, but it does save $20 million in the payroll, which would certainly interest ownership.

The proposal

Thunder receive: Patrick McCaw, Stanley Johnson, 2023 second-round draft pick

Raptors receive: Steven Adams

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Why the Thunder do it

It’s a salary dump. A rebuilding team wouldn’t want to pay Adams $27.5 million, and this adds inexpensive depth, a future second-round pick and makes the Thunder’s draft pick next year more likely to be better.

McCaw and Johnson have not proven themselves to be productive NBA players, but the Thunder can still get a look at them for a year. Perhaps they can be used at the trade deadline to get more second-round picks. If not, they fill space on the depth chart for one year and then both parties move on.

It’s not exciting. It’s just the organization saving $20 million.

Why the Raptors do it

With Serge Ibaka testing free agency and rumors that Marc Gasol is returning to Spain to play for Barcelona, Toronto needs a new center.

They could re-sign Ibaka, but he may want a multi-year deal. There’s an important reason to not give a deal into 2021-22: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s contract is expiring after this season, and if he doesn’t re-sign with the Milwaukee Bucks on a supermax, the Raptors could make a run at the two-time MVP.

So they get Adams instead, who provides a good post presence on both ends of the court and can fit into the defensive scheme, and on a one-year deal is not a commitment.

The Raptors throw in McCaw and Johnson to trim a little more salary, and there’s the deal. A starting center on a one-year deal to replace their former bigs.

Why the Thunder don’t do it

This is very minimal return. Adams is a fan-favorite, and it’s important to keep players who mean something to a city. There’s a good chance that one more year of Adams is worth more than the second-round pick will be.

But is that worth the $20 million extra it would cost to keep him instead of the salary dump? If I’m in ownership’s shoes, I might lean no.

Why the Raptors don’t do it

Toronto is sitting at $86 million with a few needs: Yes, they need a center. But they also need to either re-sign Fred VanVleet or to replace him. They may have to use the mid-level exception in free agency on such a point guard, or use that No. 29 pick on one — maybe hope that Tyrell Terry is still around, or perhaps they like Cassius Winston enough to make him the backup — and hope that he’s ready for playoff time immediately.

Who says no?

The Raptors need a center, but they can find other ways to bolster the lineup without trading for Adams. Maybe they convince Ibaka to sign a one-year deal by loading him up with cash. That second point guard behind Lowry is also important; VanVleet has stepped up time and time again for Toronto.

Adams would help them, but the pieces Toronto would not be able to sign may be too much for the team to go through with it.

But it’s something to consider.

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Toronto’s Ibaka to play in Game 6 despite sprained ankle

Toronto Raptors big man Serge Ibaka will play in a critical Game 6 against the Boston Celtics despite an ankle sprained in the Raps’ Game 6 loss.

Toronto Raptors big man Serge Ibaka plans to play in his team’s Game 6 matchup with the Boston Celtics despite having sprained his ankle late in the Raptors’ Game 5 loss to the Celtics.

Speaking at his team’s pregame media availability session, Toronto head coach Nick Nurse revealed the veteran center will play in Game 6 despite the injury, presumably with the hope Ibaka will be mobile enough with the sprain to be a positive contributor.

Nurse also revealed Ibaka will not have a minutes restriction, again with the presumption that the Congolese center will have plenty of time to recuperate if the team loses.

The Brazzaville native has averaged 11.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, an assist and 1.4 blocks per game on 51.2% shooting (including 50% from 3-point range) in the series with Boston to date.

He has been especially troublesome for the Celtics with his ability to stretch out Boston’s big men, especially Robert Williams III, who is still learning how to switch out to guard the perimeter at a high level.

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James Harden leads Rockets with 24 and 10 in scrimmage opener

Harden had 24 points and 10 assists in 25 minutes, but Houston lost control of its scrimmage opener versus Toronto when backups played late.

NBA scoring leader James Harden led the Houston Rockets with 24 points and 10 assists in just 25 minutes during Friday’s scrimmage opener, which leads up to the league’s upcoming restart in Florida.

But with mostly backups playing in the fourth quarter, the Rockets were outscored by 14 in the final period, leading to a 94-83 loss (box score) at the hands of defending NBA champion Toronto. The Rockets led for the majority of the first half, which had a much larger proportion of each team’s usual rotation players on the court.

Harden was the clear standout with 24 points and 10 rebounds in limited action, but Danuel House Jr. also played well in his newfound bench role with 18 points (50% on 3-pointers) and six rebounds in 30 minutes.

New starter Eric Gordon — who replaced House at small forward — scored 11 points, but he shot just 4-of-11 from the field (36.4%).

Russell Westbrook only played 15 minutes in the first half, owing to his late arrival to training camp after his recovery from COVID-19. Even so, he had 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds in that limited time.

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As can be expected, the Rockets (40-24) showed some signs of rust after more than four months without playing basketball and during their first game without fans. Houston shot 29-of-77 from the field (37.7%) overall, and just 14-of-48 on 3-pointers (29.2%).

The Raptors (46-18), who are the No. 2 seed in the East, were led by 18 points from Serge Ibaka and 13 by rising star Pascal Siakam. Though the Rockets were undersized relative to that Toronto frontcourt, they did hold their own in the rebounding battle (43-38, Raptors).

Houston’s second scrimmage takes place on Sunday night versus Memphis, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central on NBA TV.

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Raptors’ Terence Davis calls for arrests of Breonna Taylor’s killers

Raptors rookie Terence Davis, and teammate Serge Ibaka, joined his NBA peers on Wednesday in drawing attention to the death of Taylor.

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Toronto Raptors rookie Terence Davis used his media session with reporters on Wednesday to call for the arrests of the police officers that killed Breonna Taylor on March 13 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Taylor, an unarmed 26-year-old Black woman, was shot and killed in her home by police officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrove. None of three officers have been charged but Hankison was fired by the Louisville Metro Police Department late last month.

Players around the NBA have joined together in calling for action in the death of Taylor since arriving for the season restart at the Walt Disney World Resort. Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris, Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown and Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard are among those drawing attention to the death of Taylor.

Davis, and teammate Serge Ibaka, joined his peers in bringing her death front and center.

We’re united right now. We’re just keeping the focus on Breonna Taylor’s killers. That’s what I want to keep the focus on this week. It’s nothing against you guys — and I can answer all of you guys’ questions post-game or any time after we’re playing — but right now I just want to keep the focus on what’s really going on in the world.

There’s a lot of social injustice going on and I just want to make sure that I’m doing the right thing and using my platform, as well as other athletes, to just continue with this thing, man. We all stand united. We might not all have to be on the same team but we’re still united in this league. I just want to keep the focus on Breonna Taylor’s killers and just keep that going, man, because it’s still going on in the world.

The NBA and NBPA agreed in principle that the goal of the season restart would be to find tangible and sustainable ways to address racial inequality across the country. The NBA has allowed players to inscribe a phrase or message on the back of their jerseys in place of their names to help raise awareness for a social cause or movement.

Additionally, the NBA has added “Black Lives Matter” to each floor design in the three arenas on the campus of Disney that will host NBA games during the season restart. As the NBA and NBPA work to find ways to address racial inequality, the players have stepped up in the meantime and have used their platforms to raise awareness on key issues worldwide.

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Nets’ attempts to bolster roster could result in reunion for Kevin Durant

Serge Ibaka to the Brooklyn Nets? The Toronto Raptors big man will be on the market once the 2019-20 season concludes.

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The Nets might have a tough time getting Bradley Beal away from the Washington Wizards, but he’s not the only talented player who could help Brooklyn.

In fact, one of Kevin Durant’s former Oklahoma City Thunder teammates — Serge Ibaka — is set to become a free agent after the 2019-20 season.

The current Toronto Raptors forward is in the final year of his three-year, $65 million deal. Even if the Nets move a couple players with decent-sized contracts, Brooklyn can’t give him that type of money.

But if the Nets’ star players want a deal done, Brooklyn will have to do everything it can to try and make things work.

When asked about adding a big with long-range shooting capabilities, Alex Schiffer of The Athletic brought up the Raptors big man — indicating there’s reason to think he could be in Brooklyn at some point:

Serge Ibaka would be an ideal fit and that’s without even talking about his defense, but I wonder if they can afford him with the MLE. He has ties to Durant and there’s been smoke there all season. I just wonder what the price to get him is.

A look back: Serge Ibaka’s block parties in the early 2010s

Serge Ibaka was known for his rim protection during his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Toronto Raptors veteran Serge Ibaka has blossomed into the new prototypical big man. He can stretch the floor with his shooting, occasionally put the ball on the floor and be a good, versatile defender.

But earlier in his career, Ibaka was known for primarily one aspect of hoops: shot blocking.

Ibaka started his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder and was selected No. 24 overall in the 2008 NBA draft.

A two-time blocks champion, Ibaka is the Thunder’s/Seattle SuperSonics’ all-time leader in blocks (1,300). He ranks second among active players in total blocks, per NBA.com stats. He’s ranked 29th all-time, right behind Boston Celtics legend Kevin McHale.

A key player on the reigning champion Raptors, Ibaka had his top statistical seasons blocking shots while in Oklahoma City.

During the 2011-12 campaign, Ibaka held down the interior for the Thunder. In the video above at 33 seconds, Ibaka had perhaps one of the best blocks of his career.

The Thunder were playing the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the 2012 NBA Finals. LeBron James was driving to the hoop, and Ibaka came over to help, skying to meet James at the rim. He prevented one of James’ signature posterizing dunks, and the Thunder gained possession.

That season was arguably Ibaka’s best as a rim protector. He averaged a career-high 3.7 blocks per game, and he’s tied for the highest single-season blocks average in the 2010s, per Basketball-Reference. 

Portland Trail Blazers center Hassan Whiteside also posted 3.7 blocks a game during the 2015-16 season, when he was with the Miami Heat.

Ibaka’s defensive awareness, along with his athleticism, has made him such a quality rim protector. He regularly jumps straight up, reaching his apex to give himself the best chance to send shots away from the basket.

After the 2011-12 season, Ibaka continued his block parties. He averaged 3.0 blocks per game during the 2012-13 season, posting the second-highest average of his career. That season Ibaka showed more offensive development, as he had scored 13.2 points a game — it was the first time in his career he averaged double figures.

Ibaka’s blocks numbers have tailed off over the years, and before this season was put on pause, he was averaging a career-low 0.8 blocks.

Still, that’s in part because he has a larger offensive role. Ibaka has scored a career-high 16.0 points per game, and he has shot 39.8% from the 3-point line on 3.3 attempts. According to NBA.com stats, he ranks second on the Raptors in usage percentage (23.7%), right behind Pascal Siakam. Ibaka’s usage percentage is currently at the highest it’s been in his career.

With Ibaka’s role evolving over time, it’s a testament to basketball’s evolution. A floor-spacing big man who can defend multiple positions, Ibaka has ensured his value throughout his career.

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3 free agents the New Orleans Pelicans should target in the offseason

The Pelicans are positioned in a spot to be able to target many free agents this upcoming off-season. But which ones would fit best?

The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a terrific position for the future for a multitude of reasons. For one, the young core of the Pelicans quickly established itself not only as one of the best young groups in the league but also a group capable of making the playoffs.

Secondly, the draft capital gained in the blockbuster trade with the Lakers on top of the move to deal with Atlanta on draft night gives the team a bevy of picks in the upcoming years. Those assets can either be used to draft players or, more likely, be packaged in a trade for a superstar.

Lastly, the team will have cap space moving forward. Depending on the cap gymnastics this upcoming offseason with big cap holds on for both Brandon Ingram and Derrick Favors, the Pelicans could have up to $27 million in cap space.

What they do with that cap space could determine if the team makes a leap next season. Given the vastness of the team’s young core, there are few holes in the rotation not filled by a promising prospect.

It makes the decision-making process all the more critical and interesting when it comes to free agency this upcoming off-season. Here’s a look at three players the Pelicans could target in free agency.

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A look back at Rashard Lewis, one of the original stretch forwards

Rashard Lewis was one of the original stretch forwards during his 16-year NBA career.

Back in the early and mid-2000s, forwards — and particularly power forwards — being sharpshooters wasn’t common.

Now, players like Kevin Love and Serge Ibaka stretching out defenses with their shooting is the norm. But for every basketball evolution, there’s always at least a few predecessors.

Rashard Lewis, who played his first nine NBA seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics, was one of those forebears. Lewis played 16 NBA seasons, and he was a two-time All-Star. One of his appearances coincided with what was one of the best seasons of his career.

It was the 2004-05 season, his seventh with Seattle. Lewis scored 20.5 points per game, the second-highest average of his career. He also shot 40.0% from the 3-point line. That percentage is the third-highest average of his career.

During the 2006-07 campaign, his last with the Sonics, Lewis had his best season scoring-wise. He averaged a career-high 22.4 points per game and shot 46.1% from the field.

Lewis was one of the league’s top shooters for most of his career. According to Basketball Reference, he had eight seasons where he ranked in the top 20 for made threes. He was first in the NBA for the category during the 2008-09 season, with 220 makes.

With increased emphasis on shooting from the perimeter, Lewis was ahead of his time, much like his peers such as future Hall of Famers in Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Bosh.

He helped provide a preview of what the future would like during his stint with the Orlando Magic. During the late 2000s, the Magic were one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the league, and Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu were two of the franchise’s top shooters.

The Magic went to the NBA Finals in 2009, and during that regular season, Lewis was second in points per game behind Dwight Howard. He shot 39.7% from the 3-point line that season, and the Magic were seventh in 3-point percentage.

Lewis played for the Miami Heat the final two seasons of his career, and he won his lone championship with the franchise in 2013.

As a pioneering stretch forward, Lewis finished his career with 1,787 total threes; he shot at a 38.6% clip from deep.

He ranks second in SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder history for 3-point field goals (973), per Basketball Reference. According to NBA.com stats, he ranks 19th in league history for made threes.

Though Lewis didn’t finish his career dressed in individual accolades, his impact on the modern era is significant. With his 3-point shooting, Lewis was one of the original stretch forwards who could score and complement others.

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