NEW POSITION KEY TO VET’S RECENT SERGE
Ibaka’s offensive efficiency hits peak after taking over as Raptors’ starting centre
It’s safe to say the Orlando Magic would love to take a mulligan on the team’s 2016 Serge Ibaka acquisition from Oklahoma City. The Magic surrendered future all-star Victor Oladipo and the rights to Domantas Sabonis, who has become one of the best reserves in the NBA, in the deal. The Thunder later dealt that duo as well, but got Paul George in return. But Orlando got only 56 games out of Ibaka before trading him to the Toronto Raptors for Terrence Ross and a draft pick that has was dealt away in the summer of 2017 for a future protected pick.
Ibaka averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks for the Magic, but the fit didn’t work in large part because Ibaka spent a career-high 95 per cent of his time at power forward. With Ibaka’s production improving significantly compared with his Orlando tenure or earlier Toronto work, the big man is far more suited to play centre. Ibaka has scored 10 or more points in 15 straight games, one of the longest such streaks of his career. His field goal percentage has risen nearly 10 per cent from last year and he is getting to the free-throw line far more frequently. Ibaka also blocked four shots on Saturday against Chicago, a total he has bested only twice as a Raptor. And he’s ninth in the NBA in plus-minus. Ibaka said he is getting the ball in better spots, helping him to become more efficient on offence this year.
“I think as a team we (are playing) better,” Ibaka said, “moving the ball and also my teammates are doing a better job to find me when I’m open, (giving) me that confidence. They trust me. I can make those plays (with the ball).” But the four-time NBA blocked shots leader still prefers to break out some highlight-reel rejections over scoring.
“I like blocking shots better,” Ibaka said before noting how observers seem to prioritize scoring and offensive prowess.
The Raptors appear to have dodged some injury bullets. Though all-star point guard Kyle Lowry did not take part in practice on Monday after suffering an ankle injury in Chicago, it was more to give him some rest following a back-to-back set that included an overtime game. In total, he had logged 110 minutes in court time over the last three games before the entire team got Sunday off to recuperate. Lowry is expected to face the Magic on Tuesday. Sophomore forward OG Anunoby practised Monday, wearing a white wrap over his sore right wrist, and also is expected to suit up.
“He was ... not great but OK and the word is that there is a possibility that he might play,” head coach Nick Nurse said of Anunoby.
Forward C.J. Miles has missed three straight games due to a groin issue, but was moving well at practice.
“I think he’s cleared to go,” Nurse said, “but, again, not 100 per cent. He’ll probably need one more final (workout to prove he can play, which will come at shootaround on Tuesday morning). Looks OK to me, though.” Kawhi Leonard will likely play against the Magic, but not Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks.
Injuries have tested Toronto’s depth, but have also given some of the younger players a chance to see some time. The Raptors used all 12 dressed players on Saturday night. Nurse is clear on what he wants to see from them. “When they come into the game, whether it’s 20 up, 20 down or whether it’s the first drill in practice in Florida at 11 o’clock, there isn’t any time for those guys not to be ready; show some toughness, ready to play defence, play hard,” Nurse said. “They’re trying to survive in this league, first and foremost. Improve each and every day and every opportunity, (prove) that they belong here. This is the NBA, not junior high or whatever. These guys have to go out there and prove themselves all the time.”
Jordan Loyd might be a point guard, but he can get way up and has already had a few jaw-dropping jams for the Raptors’ NBA G League affiliate this year. Still, Delon Wright picked Norman Powell as the best dunker on the Raptors, while Loyd himself gave the nod to Anunoby.
“I’ve got to go OG, man. OG is seriously athletic,” Loyd said. “It looks like he’s not even trying. I wish he’d give me some of that athleticism. I’d be happy with that.”
Miami is expected to be without point guard/Raptors antagonist Goran Dragic for at least three more games, meaning he’d miss Sunday’s game at Toronto.