Just over two weeks after it was initially announced, the Milwaukee Bucks and Serge Ibaka have officially agreed on a new contract to keep the big man in town for another season.
When the news first came out on July 4, it is not controversial to say that most fans were shocked to see Ibaka re-sign with the Bucks. The veteran had a frustrating close to the 2021-22 season as his role vanished in the postseason, having scarcely played any meaningful minutes, which had all signs pointing to him leaving in the free agency. However, Ibaka has chosen to stick around for one more year at least in what is undoubtedly an interesting move for both parties involved. With all of that said, let us break down this deal and give it a letter grade.
The financial aspect of Serge Ibaka’s one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks
It was speculated from that moment that this deal was announced that it would be worth nothing more than the veteran minimum, and that is indeed the case. According to Spotrac, Ibaka’s deal with the Bucks is officially a one-year contract worth $2.9 million. With that now certain, the financial aspect of this deal is certainly nothing to complain about.
Prior to re-signing Ibaka, the Bucks needed another big man for depth purposes. Given that they have spent the entire offseason prioritizing their own players in free agency by bringing back the likes of Bobby Portis, Jevon Carter, Wesley Matthews, and more, it was only fitting that the front office brought Ibaka back as well. On a minimum deal, it is a justifiable move as Ibaka can provide some insurance at the center position at the very minimum, but he also showed last season that he could still contribute at a serviceable level when given meaningful minutes.
As always, there is not much to complain about when it comes to a minimum contract, especially when it is utilized on a household name such as Serge Ibaka.
Breaking down Serge Ibaka’s fit and role with the Milwaukee Bucks
When the Milwaukee Bucks traded for Serge Ibaka last season, his fit and role were rather clear up until Brook Lopez returned from his absence due to back surgery. Heading into next season, things should be clearer for both Ibaka and the Bucks from the start.
Fit-wise, Ibaka is a solid piece. He will join Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis in the power forward/center rotation, giving the Bucks some much-needed depth. Given just how much turbulence the Bucks endured at the center position last season after Lopez underwent an abrupt back procedure, having cycled through a handful of different temporary big men, bringing in Ibaka is a justifiable move for depth purposes. If something unforeseen were to happen like it did last season, the Bucks would have a seasoned veteran in Ibaka on the roster to provide some aid.
On the court, Ibaka does a lot of things that make him a good fit for the Bucks. Offensively, he can bully close to the hoop and score inside but the veteran is also not afraid to let it fly from distance, having shot 36 percent from three 1.9 attempts per game in his career. Outside shooting is one of the attributes the Bucks value the most with their big men, and Ibaka fits the billing. Defensively, the three-time All-Defensive honoree fits snugly into coach Mike Budenholzer’s drop coverage philosophy, giving the Bucks another strong interior defender that can protect the hoop.
Where things get interesting is Ibaka’s actual role with the Bucks and how significant it will be next season. It seemed inevitable that Ibaka would depart in free agency this offseason because of how minimal his role with the Bucks was once Lopez returned, but that proved not to be the case. Now, he will remain the fourth big man behind Antetokounmpo, Lopez, and Portis, and his minutes will likely not be prominent nightly.
Ibaka could be utilized to take some pressure off of those three throughout the regular season to help keep their legs fresh during the year. Given that Lopez is coming off a back procedure, having Ibaka to help ease some of the workload and heavy playing time off his shoulders could be a wise move. No matter how much time he sees, Ibaka can undoubtedly help this team win games.
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.