Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Top 15 NBA Draft picks in OKC Thunder franchise history

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JUNE 6: Oklahoma City Thunder players, from left, Kendrick Perkins #5, Kevin Durant #35, Serge Ibaka #9 and Russell Westbrook #0 celebrate with the Western Conference Finals Champions trophy following their team's victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals during the 2012 NBA Playoffs on June 6, 2012 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JUNE 6: Oklahoma City Thunder players, from left, Kendrick Perkins #5, Kevin Durant #35, Serge Ibaka #9 and Russell Westbrook #0 celebrate with the Western Conference Finals Champions trophy following their team's victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals during the 2012 NBA Playoffs on June 6, 2012 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft - Top 15 picks All-Time
NBA Draft - Top 15 picks All-Time /

Serge Ibaka  – Block heard round the world

2008 NBA Draft: Round 1, Pick 24 by Seattle SuperSonics

Although technically Serge Ibaka was drafted by the Sonics, he joined Russell Westbrook as the first picks for the OKC Thunder. His first season he remained in Europe playing for a Spanish team.

When he joined the team for the 2009-10 season he was ready to make his mark. Initially, his contributions were primarily on the defensive end. But, as Ibaka grew with teammates Westbrook Durant and Harden he became a vital piece of the core.

Ibaka worked to extend his shot range becoming one of the better stretch big men in the NBA. He was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate for most of his tenure in OKC. Serge channeled Dikembe Mutombo as he became one of the best shot blockers in the Association leading the league twice. Not surprisingly Ibaka is the franchise leader in total blocks (1,300).

With the Harden trade, more emphasis was put on Ibaka’s offensive output, and in some ways, this proved to be an issue. The power forward grappled with finding an equal balance on both sides of the hardwood.

The chemistry issues:

Although there is nothing concrete about the locker room there appeared to be ample tension between Durant and Ibaka. When the Thunder moved Ibaka to Orlando many assumed this was an effort by Presti to appease KD and ensure he re-signed.

In addition to the block record, Serge’s seven seasons resulted in Ibaka joining the franchise leader board as the ninth most rebounds (3,875) and 10th in games played (524).

Additionally, Ibaka was named to the All-Defensive team in three successive seasons starting in 2011-12 and also led the NBA in blocks in two of those seasons.

Personally, my favorite moment of Ibaka was when he returned from the calf injury to help the Thunder win four straight games versus the Spurs and go on to play in their first-ever finals.

Sadly, OKC never got to witness the evolution of Ibaka and Adams who in hindsight could very well have provided an unstoppable frontcourt for the Thunder. Regardless, Ibaka remains a beloved player who deserves his rightful spot cracking the top 10 of the franchise top 15 NBA draft picks.

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