Serge Ibaka becomes next member of 2012 OKC Thunder Big 4 to earn NBA Title

With the Toronto Raptors being crowned NBA Champs, Serge Ibaka earns a ring prior to MVPs Russell Westbrook and James Harden who he played with on the talented and loaded 2012 OKC Thunder.

When the OKC Thunder traded shot blocker Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic on draft night in 2016, for a godfather offer, it was proclaimed Oklahoma City won the trade, that statement is true to a point. Although none of the players involved in the deal still play for the Thunder, OKC did use said players to acquire Paul George and Jerami Grant.

The real winner in the deal is Ibaka. Because he reached the promised land and the Thunder have not. After appearing in a mere 56 contests for the Magic, the franchise shipped him off to Toronto for Terrence Ross, and, the rest is history.

Ibaka has been through rough periods, while in the 6ix. When he signed a 3-year $64-million extension in July 2017, many pundits (including myself) believed Ibaka was overpaid. However, his presence on the hardwood during the 2019 NBA Finals was vital in the Raptors capturing their first championship.

Performing When the Lights are Brightest

In the closeout game, Serge was one of five Raptors to score in double-digits, registering 15-points on 7 of 12 for a 58.3 percent shooting efficiency. While also grabbing three rebounds and dishing two assists.

For the duration of the series, Ibaka averaged 11.3 points, on 56.0 percent accuracy from the floor. In addition to scoring, Serge contributed 5.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.7 blocks per match. The most impressive aspect from Toronto’s title run is they held the Warriors win-less inside Oracle during the Finals. That likely does not transpire without Ibaka’s six momentum swinging blocks in Game 3.

Roberson and McCaslin Congratulate Serge

https://twitter.com/LesleyMcCaslin/status/1139378634513244167?s=20

It has often been stated once you become a member of the Thunder, you are always a member of the Thunder. In Oklahoma City, the bond the team develops is family-esque. It was nice to see Lesley and Dre applaud their former Thunder buddy.

Other Social Highlights

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1139415923952181248?s=20

The Difference Between KD and Ibaka’s Chips

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Full disclosure, former OKC Thunder forward Kevin Durant was truly the first player from the 2012 team to win a title. However, due to the nature of how KD won his championship, he will always have an asterisk behind his first two titles.

The manner Serge won is on the other end of the spectrum. He never departed via free agency from any team. In each scenario, he was traded. Now he is a member of the best team in the NBA and a league champion.

Ibaka earned a title, before former teammates, multi-time All-Star’s, and league MVP’s Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Having a championship behind his name does not make Ibaka a better player than Russ or the Beard, but it does shed light on how it takes a team to win, not flashy individuals.

The entire team at Thunderous Intentions congratulates Serge, he was always a fan favorite in Oklahoma City, although he has been gone for multiple years he will always be an honorary member of the OKC Thunder.