Serge Ibaka: NBA Big men who can learn a thing or two from Hakeem Olajuwon –Feature Part 2
Serge Ibaka
Serge Ibaka of the Oklahoma City Thunder has taken the NBA by storm over the past two seasons. With his ability to block shots and take on any defensive assignment coming his way has earned him the nick name ‘I-Block-Ya’.
However in last season’s campaign, Ibaka lacked the capabilities of becoming a true presence for the Thunder as they finished runners up to Miami Heat for the NBA Championship.
Although most of the scoring for the Thunder was done by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden but head coach Scott Brooks could have used having a fourth scorer on the floor at times who can get them easy baskets from
inside the area.
So learning his trait from the legendary Olajuwon in order to become a dominating presence in the paint could have a lot of benefits for Ibaka as he looks to become a key member of this Oklahoma unit, offensively.
One of the most important things that would be highly useful for Serge Ibaka is the footwork and the post skills Olajuwon had at his disposal during his playing days. He was known for having the best footwork in the NBA and if
Ibaka could just learn even a slight impersonation of the dream shake from Olajuwon, he can combine it with his leaping ability to be a dominating big man in the NBA.
Another thing which he can learn from Olajuwon is to bring about a change in his mentality while playing with his back to the basket. He lacks the aggression required to be play as a centre in the NBA. If he starts being a little
more aggressive, he can be of great help to the Thunder offence who could surely need some size in the painted area.
One of the aspects of Ibaka’s game that does not need much toning is his ability to block shots. He is undoubtedly one of the best shot blockers in the NBA but if he receives help from Olajuwon, who knows? He might just be unbeatable
while he protects the basket.
The list of achievements Hakeem Olajuwon managed to achieve in his playing days is countless as he came forth to be known as one of the best centres in NBA history. The legendary battles he had with the likes of David Robinson,
Shaquille O’Neal were the best performances he put in the prime of his game but nothing compared to amount of intensity he brought when going up against his long time rival Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks.
Getting inducted into the NBA’s Hall of Fame for his exploits as a centre in this league cannot sum up what he achieved in his career. So coming forward to the current list of big men currently playing in the NBA, there are a lot
of things that this group of young players can pick up for the inventor of the ‘The Dream Shake’.
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