The last time Serge Ibaka played for the LA Clippers, it was Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs.
His back injury cost him the rest of the postseason, and that back was nagging him during the regular season too. It held him to just 41 games in the regular season, and had him limited in training camp.
He may be back, however, by the time the regular season comes around on October 21st. Ty Lue gave us a major update before the preseason game on Monday.
Clippers coach Ty Lue says that Serge Ibaka was cleared for contact today.
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) October 5, 2021
The LA Clippers could really use a healthy Serge Ibaka during this season, as they may be thin on big men.
Right now, the LA Clippers are going with Ivica Zubac, Serge Ibaka, Harry Giles, and Isaiah Hartenstein as their centers.
It’s not a very strong position group for the Clippers, and they may even just go with three of the above.
They can if they have Ibaka ready and healthy.
The Clippers need Ibaka back not only just because he’s a good player, but due to the contrast he creates by being out there.
Unlike Zubac, who is likely set to start right now, Ibaka can stretch the floor due to him having a three-point stroke in his arsenal. His quickness and athleticism gives him the ability to set up at many different areas on the court offensively. It also helps him close out and be a great shot-blocker on defense, which he still is even at 32 years old.
The Clippers really need to be as healthy as humanly possible without Kawhi Leonard in the mix right now, and having Ibaka cleared for contact is a huge step in the right direction for this team.