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Pre-Season Questions: How have the Orlando Magic responded?

By Sam Skubala

Nov 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives between the Orlando Magic defense on the way to the basket during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives between the Orlando Magic defense on the way to the basket during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Serge Ibaka, Orlando Magic, Domantis Sabonis, Oklahoma City Thunder
Nov 13, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) dunks the ball in front of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantas Sabonis (3) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Serge Ibaka a Star?

After a disappointing final season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Serge Ibaka arrived in Central Florida looking to re-establish himself as a dominant two-way presence.

For the Magic’s part, Ibaka appeared to be someone who answered many of the issues the team faced after a 35-win 2016 season. He was a terrific interior defender who could protect the rim, as well as guard the pick and roll, two of Nikola Vucevic’s glaring weaknesses.

Furthermore, he was one of the rare breeds of 3-point shooters and shot blockers. He was perhaps that missing piece that would push the Magic into a playoff spot.

Nine games into the season, all of these hopes appeared dashed.

Ibaka’s defense appeared to have regressed immensely, with the power forward seemingly biting on every fake possible in the post. He furthermore appeared to lack hustle on both ends of the floor and awkwardly attempted to play a post game on offense that he appeared entirely unsuited for.

Then, the Magic traveled to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Ibaka put up a career-high 31 points and added nine rebounds against his old club, as well as blocking four shots in the first quarter.

Since that victory, Ibaka has appeared to be a completely different player. On defense, he appears more motivated and is more of the fearsome presence he was during his time with the Thunder.

On offense, he has become a greater factor since spending more time on the 3-point line, averaging 16.1 points per game in the last 10 games and shooting an exceptional 41.7 percent from beyond the arc on the season.

Ibaka was brought in to be a star for the Magic, and to lead them to the playoffs. At this stage, neither of these appear to be coming to fruition. But the power forward has undoubtedly improved since arriving with the team.

Should he continue to improve, there is no reason to believe that he can become a solid leader for the Magic for the rest of the season.