Serge Ibaka: Why he will trasform into one of the best power forwards in the league
Serge Ibaka has been one of the most improved players in the NBA over the last few seasons. He has transformed from a raw shot blocker with poor man-defence skills into a legitimate All-Star power forward. He is the league’s best
shot blocker hands down, a good defender and now has developed decent shooting ability from midrange.
I-Block-Ya has been one of the surprise packages for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. He is shooting well, defending well, shot blocking has been his domain all along and the result is Ibaka is collecting double-double after
double-double every game. People would have believed that Thunder will suffer a setback with the departure of James Harden, the 6th man last season, from Oklahoma City. But the Thunder are thriving at 22-6 at the moment, with Serge Ibaka playing
a crucial part in their campaign so far and has impressed a lot of people with his vastly improved shooting.
If he continues to improve like this, he may very well become the second best player on the team after Kevin Durant of course.
The desire to be best and constantly improving their game is the driving force for all athletes that takes their game seriously. Ibaka takes basketball very seriously and possesses great work ethics. Whenever he makes a jumper
the commentators always mention that he is one the most hard working players in the league. This has transformed him from a player with no basketball skills 6 years ago into one of the better mid range shooters, and if he continues to work on his shooting,
he may very well develop his three-point shot as well.
Ibaka has another weapon up his sleeves; shot blocking and he is the very best there is at denying opponents baskets. He is one of the most agile tall guys in basketball. Athleticism makes everything easy in the league and Serge
is full of it. He has long arms and a high leap, and his timing is impeccable.
The power forward rebounds per game has also increased a lot this season, a vast improvement from his career average. More importantly these skills do not degrade with age as quickly as shooting and other abilities and he will
continue to be an asset for the Thunder at the defensive end for long.
If he continues to improve his game at current pace, he will very shortly be a part of the big three at the Thunder alongside Durant and guard Russell Westbrook. His passion for the game may even put him ahead of Westbrook as they
are very few front court players who can both shoot from mid-range and long-range and block shots and grab rebounds consistently.
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