Did the Milwaukee Bucks make a mistake in re-signing underwhelming Serge Ibaka for 2022-23 NBA season?

The Milwaukee Bucks unexpectedly re-signed veteran center Serge Ibaka to a one-year contract on Tuesday. Ibaka’s long career has seen him play in several venues and in a variety of positions, notably with the Toronto Raptors, who won the 2019 NBA Championship.

The pros and cons of Serge Ibaka’s deal with the Bucks

Ibaka served as a bench warmer and insurance for the Bucks last season after being traded to them. He averaged 3.7 minutes per game in the postseason. Consequently, it appears to be a somewhat odd signing for the Bucks at first sight. Why would someone who could hardly make the postseason rotation be brought back? Although he might not be the typical Serge, there are still a few good reasons to bring him back.

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Ibaka may be in better shape the next season. But in addition to dealing with his back issues, he is also battling the effects of ageing. Ibaka will be 33 before the start of the 2022-23 season.

Theoretically, he could still benefit Milwaukee as a rim protector and 3-point shooter. It will perfectly complement the Bucks’ need to defend and space out around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Ibaka may be a less-bulky, more manoeuvrable replacement for Brook Lopez. He may merit a roster place if this is a minimum deal. 

Ibaka’s new contract’s specifics aren’t yet available. However, it seems the Bucks feel confidence in his ability to contribute as a depth player in the frontcourt now. He’s had the treatment on his back for a further year. Ibaka, a three-time All-Defensive selection, was a crucial part of the Raptors’ 2019 championship squad and led the NBA in blocks per game in 2012 and 2013.

Ibaka joins Bobby Portis, Joe Ingles, Jevon Carter, and Wesley Matthews as the fifth free agent to reach an agreement with the Bucks in recent days. Eight players for Milwaukee now have guaranteed contracts. Also, first-round pick MarJon Beauchamp is expected to join them.

Ibaka will play a little part on the floor despite being a seasoned veteran who is somewhat familiar with this squad and coaching staff. Although it’s unlikely that he will be asked to play significant minutes. But when he does, he makes a good team defender and a willing shooter. For one of your deep reserve slots, he could do much worse.

Only one roster place remains open for the Bucks moving forward. Based on how Jordan Nwora’s restricted free agency develops, they could already be done putting together the squad for training camp. Ibaka’s return is simply one more indication that the front management is taking a risk by sticking with continuity once more.

 

 

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