Grading Serge Ibaka’s intriguing new deal with the Milwaukee Bucks

A final grade on Serge Ibaka’s one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks

Overall, this is a great signing by the Milwaukee Bucks for a handful of reasons.

Some remain confused as to why the Bucks signed Ibaka after they scarcely utilized him down the stretch last season. Sure, it was frustrating, especially as the wing-depleted Bucks gave up one of their young wings in Donte DiVincenzo to acquire him, but it made sense to bring Ibaka aboard as an insurance policy for Brook Lopez. Although Lopez looked rather healthy upon returning from his extended absence last season, he is 34-years-old and coming off a major back surgery, so having Ibaka around to fortify the team’s frontcourt depth next season makes all the sense in the world, especially on a veteran minimum contract.

On the floor, Ibaka can also still produce when given the chance. He may not be the player that he once was, but even at 32-years-old, Ibaka can provide quality defense and solid scoring when he is out on the floor. Those attributes make him a seamless fit alongside Milwaukee’s core pieces in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and others, in addition to being a perfect piece in coach Mike Budenholzer’s system. It remains to be seen how much playing time he will get this season compared to last season, but he should have more chemistry with his teammates and a better grip on the system heading into next season, which may help.

At the absolute bare minimum, Ibaka will provide experience, leadership, and toughness for the Bucks as they contend for a title next season.

BTBP Grade: A

Stay tuned to see if the Milwaukee Bucks make any more moves this NBA offseason.