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In case you missed yesterday’s look at James Harden, well, here’s a link. Because today is all about the man, the myth, the legend, Serge “people love me so much that they still continue to give me tons of nicknames” Ibaka.

Serge Ibaka – 6.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.33 blocks, 54.3 FG%, 63.0 FT% in 18.1 minutes a game

Playoffs - 7.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 57.1 FG%, 70.0 FT% in 25.5 minutes a game

He only played 18.1 minutes a game and led the team in blocks. He only played 18.1 minutes a game and was ranked #1, leading all rookies, in blocked shots for the 2009 Rookie class and finished in the Top 20 in the league in blocks (#19). He was third on the Thunder in rebounds, first in FG% and 2PT% for players who took at least 5 shots a game (despite being 8TH on the team in minutes played) and was the 4th best rebounder from his rookie class despite averaging fewer minutes (just barely, Blair only avg 18.2 a game) than any other player in the Top 5 in rebounding.

Did I mention he only logged 18.1 minutes a game? Or that he finished second in FG% for all rookies, too? Read more…

Commentary Serge Ibaka

(One thing lacking here at DT is Sunday fodder. Our good friend J.G. is here to fill that void. So turn off that boring Bengals-Chiefs game and have a read.)

Dense droplets of saturated air hang thick around the rusted metal rim, the humidity resisting the flight of the worn leather ball shot after shot. Dust disperses at each bounce of the faded basketball as the chorus of dribbles, feet pounding towards the basket and the familiar clang of an unforgiving rim echoes around the outdoor court.

He catches his breath, inhaling the 89 percent humidity and bouncing the ball a few more times for good measure before returning home, a home lying at 0º00´ North of the Equator. A home of tropical temperatures at the hot and humid equatorial river basin of Brazaville, Congo.  A home that he grew up in without electricity and running water; the same home that  served as the cradle to his still developing craft, one in which he honed outdoors for the majority of his young life, not playing an indoor basketball game until only a few years ago.

And now a few years later, Serge Ibaka finds himself in a place very unlike the sub-tropical climate of his home, in a culture very different from his Brazavillian heritage and in a city where he must learn, yet again, their native tongue so that he can further the education that has spurred him on his whirlwind journey across the globe.

Yet one constant remains. The worn leather ball, the familiar clang of an unforgiving rim and the passionate talent that has brought him thus far. Because wherever Serge Ibaka has gone to continue playing and growing in the sport of basketball, one thing persists throughout all of the changes in scenery, culture and language: The love of the game.

And it is that game that has become his home, his one true constant despite all of the change, and it is his undeniable skill at that game that generates what so many Thunder fans currently find themselves wrestling with: The Ibaka Conundrum. Read more…

Commentary Serge Ibaka, Sunday Discussion

To the delight of I think every Thunder fan out there, Serge Ibaka saw his first real playing time of the season Friday night in Detroit. He played three minutes and  just pulled down one rebound. He didn’t do much but Scott Brooks likely wanted to just get Ibaka some burn and will likely kind of work him into the fold as we go.The way he’s going to find a place in the rotation is if he brings great energy and does work on the defensive end. But how did he do? After the jump, I’m going to put on my breakdown hat and look closely at a few possessions with Ibaka. (h/t to reader Johnny for the video)

Read more...

Film Study Serge Ibaka

This isn’t your ordinary profile page headshot. This one’s got some swag. Maybe it’s common, but I’ve never seen a mugshot like that for a player. It doesn’t look an NBA player page, it looks like a Facebook profile pic. So what’s the deal? CBS’s website has a nice mug of Mr. Iblocka. NBA.com just doesn’t have a picture. Neither does Fox Sports. Sports Illustrated has no picture, but his number is wrong as well as his age. I guess they don’t call Ibaka “The Secret” for nothing. Why am I posting this? Because it’s a slow day, that’s why.

But the real question is, should we be worried that Ibaka will sign with the Knicks in 2014 when he’s eligible for free agency? We should, right Cleveland fans?

Riff Raff Serge Ibaka

Over the past day or two, you incredibly creative Thunder fans have been tossing out excellent nickname suggestions for everyone’s new favorite player, Serge Ibaka. As one reader wisely point out, Ibaka’s name itself is so entirely awesome that it almost serves alone as a cool nickname. But the possibilities… oh the possibilities.

So here’s what we’ve heard so far:
Sir Iblocka
Sir Blocka
Serge Iblocka
Chewbacca
Chewie
Chewblocka
Pantera Voladora (Leaping Panther in Spanish)
King Congo
The Sergeon
Ibaka Blocka
Sergesaurus Rex

I think my vote goes to “Sir Blocka.” Simple, sweet and makes sense. Especially after last night’s absolute shot destruction of Grant Hill’s layup. Your thoughts? Too many options for a poll, but we need a consensus. These are important things people. Very important.

Riff Raff Serge Ibaka

We took a look at a list of goals for the entire Thunder team a couple weeks ago. But let’s get detailed. Let’s get specific. I’m going to dig in and hit on some individual goals for a few players that would define a successful season. So what meters for success should we set for Serge Ibaka and Byron Mullens?

Serge Ibaka

Don’t become Mo Sene. In other words, don’t become best buds with the Gatorade jug. Sene had potential but never found a way onto the floor unless OKC was down 30 with a minute to go. Ibaka showcased a far more polished game in the summer than Sene ever displayed, so that’s encouraging. He’s just 20, so I understand if he gets put on the end of the bench to learn and work. But the point is, don’t get trapped there. Show some improvement throughout the season, forcing Scott Brooks to give you time. Whether it be four minutes at the end of a game or 15 meaningful ones in the first half, just get some time on the floor. Sure, I’d love to see him explode and have a big year, but let’s be realistic and keep our minds set on player development.

Learn help defense. This will be a major goal for Byron Mullens as well, but with Ibaka’s length and absurd athleticism, there’s no excuse for him to not be swatting shots from little guards that try and come to the rim. He was late helping during summer ball, but that’s understandable as he learned the pace and feel of the game. But like I said, if there’s one thing he should do well, it’s rejecting shots from the weak side. Read more…

Commentary Byron Mullens, Serge Ibaka

An excellent 10-minute documentary has surfaced about new Thunderer, Serge Ibaka and his trip to the NBA. It’s just so cool to see the journey some of these guys take to make it to the league. Ibaka’s story has your typical bumps, making his success even more feel good-y. Watch, learn and get to know one of the most intriguing prospects in the league.

Video Serge Ibaka

(Morning party people. Thank you for your support of Daily Thunder. Talk amongst yourselves.)

With the Sergeant of Slam, Serge Ibaka, knocking our socks off with his skill in Orlando last week, he’s kind of all I’ve been thinking about lately. And while he won the Spanish League slam dunk contest back last September, this video is sort of relevant again. There’s really no way to describe his winning, TRUE free throw line flush. Majestic? Soaring? Freaking long? Behold Ibaka’s awesomeness starting at the 1:42 mark.

Video Serge Ibaka

I’ve been working to get this as confirmed as possible, but according to this site, Serge Ibaka has signed a four-year deal to play with Oklahoma City, starting with next season:

“The young player from Congo Serge Ibaka will leave for the NBA next season. The 18-year-old, who spent this season in Spain with Manresa, is to sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder, which will have to pay the Catalan club 400 thousand Euros, as Ibaka has still two seasons left in his contract. The Thunder will have the 2.08m centre for the next four seasons for a total earning of around 4.5 million euros. Ibaka won the Spanish league’s dunk contest last year and averaged 7.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1 block in 31 games.”

The report comes from this article which appears to be much more credible, though I can’t read a word of it. But it appears that Ibaka will be on the roster for next year. Even more reason to believe the Thunder won’t do anything major in the free agent market this summer.

UPDATE: Thanks to reader Jacob, here is the second article translated.

News Serge Ibaka