The team announced that Serge Ibaka's first season with the LA Clippers after back surgery on Thursday is over.
Ibaka missed 30 straight games before returning for the final two games of the regular season due to a back injury. He played in the first two playoff games of the first-round Clippers, against the Dallas Mavericks, but missed the last seven playoff games.
"Nothing makes me feel better than helping my brothers and trying to win championships for #ClipperNation," Ibaka posted on Instagram. "It's been a very tough season, I tried very hard to be back in time for the playoffs but sometimes injuries happen and health has to be a priority. I appreciate everyone's love and support and Now my mindset is on supporting my team and getting healthy and ready for the next season."
Ibaka, 31, was the Clippers' biggest offseason extra. With the sixth Man of the Year Montregel Harrell and Jamaichel Greene moving to free agency after 2019-20, the Clippers signed Ibaka in the belief he would be a key piece to their championship puzzle.
Kawhi Leonard helped recruit his former Toronto Raptors teammate as the Clippers envisioned bringing Ibaka not only the necessary championship experience and leadership, but also provided the team with a grown man who could ace the floor with perimeter shooting. and protect the rim with shot-blocking.
Ibaka started his first 39 games until he was sidelined on 15 March due to his back injury. The center averaged 11.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 23.3 minutes - his lowest average playing time in a regular season since his first year at Oklahoma City in 2009–10.
Ivica Zubac became the starting center while Ibaka was out during the regular season. The Clippers — who trail the Utah Jazz 2-0 in their second-round series, starting with Game 3 on Saturday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC) — are starting either Zuback or Nick Bottom in the playoffs. , depends on the matchup.