Serge Ibaka, born on September 18, 1989, in Brazzaville, Congo, is a celebrated figure among African basketball players, renowned for his versatility and defensive prowess. With a career spanning various teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Ibaka has left an indelible mark with his shot-blocking skills and impactful contributions on the court. His journey stands as a testament to the global impact of African basketball players, highlighting their significant contributions to the sport.
Career
Inter Club (2006):
- Joined Inter Club’s junior team after playing for Avenir du Rail.
- Preferred Inter Club for better structure and provided amenities.
- Played for Inter Club’s senior team in the 2006 FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup, leading in rebounds and earning All-Star Five honors.
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L’Hospitalet (2007–2008):
- At 17, moved to France and then Spain, teaching himself Spanish.
- Joined CB L’Hospitalet, a second-division Spanish basketball club.
- Averaged 10.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and shot 55%.
- Participated in international showcases in 2008, winning MVP and catching the eye of NBA scouts.
Manresa (2008–2009):
- Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2008 NBA draft.
- First player from the Republic of Congo drafted.
- Signed a three-year contract with Ricoh Manresa in Spain, maintaining the NBA option.
- Averaged 7.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1 block in the ACB League.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2009–2011):
- Thunder paid the buyout for Ibaka’s Manresa deal in July 2009.
- Developed into a starter known for energy, defense, and rebounding.
- Led all rookies in blocks in the 2009–10 season.Recorded a triple-double in 2012.
- Finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2012.
Real Madrid (2011):
- Signed a two-month contract with Real Madrid during the 2011 NBA lockout.
- Averaged 5.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2 blocks in Euroleague.
Return to Oklahoma City (2011–2016):
- Returned to the NBA after the lockout.
- Signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Thunder in August 2012.
- Averaged career highs of 15.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in 2013–14.
- Named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team for three consecutive years.
Orlando Magic (2016–2017):
- Traded to the Orlando Magic in June 2016.
- Debuted with the Magic in October 2016, scoring 14 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
- Scored a career-high 31 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Toronto Raptors (2017–2020):
- Traded to the Toronto Raptors in February 2017.
- Re-signed with the Raptors in July 2017 for a reported three-year, $65 million contract.
- Helped the Raptors win the NBA Championship in 2019.
- Recorded a career-high 34 points against the Los Angeles Lakers in November 2018.
Los Angeles Clippers (2020–2022):
- Signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in November 2020.
- Reunited with former Raptors teammate Kawhi Leonard.
- Notable performances include a 15-point debut and a 21-point game in February 2021.
Milwaukee Bucks (2022–2023):
- Traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in February 2022.
- Re-signed with the Bucks to a one-year contract in July 2022.
- Traded to the Indiana Pacers in February 2023, then waived by the Pacers.
Bayern Munich (2023–present):
- Signed with Bayern Munich in September 2023, joining the German Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) and the EuroLeague.
Family
Ibaka, the third youngest among 18 siblings, hails from a basketball-oriented family. His father was a basketball player in the Republic of the Congo and represented the Congolese national team, while his mother played for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ibaka’s introduction to basketball began early, joining his first club, Avenir du Rail. The sport served as a refuge for him, providing solace from the tragedy of his mother’s premature passing and his father’s imprisonment during the Second Congo War. Despite his father’s initial efforts to safeguard the family by leaving the country before the war, their return resulted in his father becoming a political prisoner.
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Net worth
Serge Ibaka’s net worth is estimated to be $55 million as of 2023. His wealth is attributed not only to his successful basketball career but also to various endorsements, business ventures, and investments in real estate. Ibaka’s entrepreneurial spirit has contributed significantly to his financial success, showcasing a diversified portfolio beyond the basketball court.