The Toronto Raptors have made one of the more high profile trades by the team in recent memory by acquiring Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic. In return, Orlando will receive Terrence Ross and the lower of their two 2017 first round draft picks.
Ibaka is best known for his defensive prowess, earning the nickname "iBlocka" from fans and teammates. He led the league in blocks per game for a number of consecutive seasons, at one point averaging as many as 3.7 per game in the 2011-2012 season. He was a critical part of the Oklahoma City Thunder for seven season, and helped the team to the 2012 NBA Finals as well as the Western Conference Finals three separate times.
Ross was drafted the eight overall pick by Toronto back in 2012 and has spent his entire career thus far with the team. He's been a consistent, though not overwhelming contributor for the Raptors, with his five years with the squad peppered with interesting achievements ranging from a Slam Dunk title in 2013, to being the first player in NBA history to score 50 or more points in a game while averaging fewer than 10 points per game, to dating Amber Rose for a short time period last year.
On Twitter fans chimed in and overall seemed excited about the prospects of having Ibaka join the squad.
Serve Ibaka should really help out the Raptors, and no more Ross opens up time for Norman Powell. Win-win situation
Serge Ibaka for Terrence Ross!! 🙌 Masai!!
There were some who expressed doubt about Ibaka's ability to perform at a high level, noting his decline in play and power in recent years.
I don't think the raptors made the right move, I love what Ibaka can do for the team but they needed Ross more than Patterson,
Also, Toronto getting Serge Ibaka makes them better but not significantly better. Having to give up Ross is significant IMO
I get that Toronto wants to compete, but Ross was on a decent contract and Ibaka has seen quite the decline since age 22
For now, only time will tell. It's worthy to not that Ibaka did have the best years of his career with OKC when they were a series playoff contender, so maybe he'll come into his own now with the Raps as they look to take on LeBron James and his Cavs in the Eastern Conference.
