On Friday, it was announced that LA Clippers center Serge Ibaka underwent season-ending back surgery.
His back cost him many missed games this season, and ended up pulling the plug on his 2020-2021 campaign early.
He’s a guy that the Clippers absolutely need to have back next season. There are three reasons in particular as to why they need him to pick up his player option this offseason.
No. 1 reason the LA Clippers need to re-sign Serge Ibaka: He’s a cost-effective option
Serge Ibaka is a 12-year vet with Championship experience. Those don’t grow on trees.
They also usually are rather expensive. Ibaka cost under $9.5 million this year, and will cost under $10 million next year too if he picks up his option. (Nobody will offer him more than that for next year since he’s coming off of an injury, just FYI.)
And yes, Ibaka dealt with back injuries for a lot of games this year. It’s also true, though, that his presence as that type of leader is still very valuable for under $10 million.
He’s a three-time All-Defensive Team selection who can still start for the Clippers and also provide leadership from his 12 years of experience playing in this league.
But the two-time NBA block champion provides more than just what he brings as a leader.