Orlando Magic Daily
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Potential landing spots for Serge Ibaka

By Ryan Doyle

Oct 18, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) warms up prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) warms up prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Serge Ibaka, Orlando Magic, toronto Raptors
Jan 29, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) controls a ball as Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) defends during the third quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Orlando Magic won 114-113. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are a true contender in the Eastern Conference. With the Cleveland Cavaliers struggling, adding Ibaka might be the move that allows them to capture the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

With a strong backcourt, the Raptors are going to be able to challenge almost any team in the NBA. Still, without a consistent third scoring option, they could find themselves as the runner-up in the East yet again.

Scoring just less than 15 points per game, Ibaka is able to score from the outside and give Jonas Valanciunas, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan some room to operate. Ibaka is shooting well from the 3-point line this season at 38 percent too.

The biggest impact Ibaka should be able to make for the Raptors is on the defensive end. The team has struggled to find someone who can protect the paint. Valnciunas is not a great defender and having Ibaka alongside him can ease the pressure on him.

When it comes to looking at a potential deal, the Magic are probably going to get a few expiring contracts in return and possibly Terrence Ross. Hopefully, the Raptors give up a pick or two so the Magic have something to help build towards the future.

Clearly, Toronto has both the interest and the need for Ibaka. And the young players the Magic could desire to reset their rebuild and build back up toward the future.