For years, there have been rumors that Toronto Raptors power forward Serge Ibaka is older than his listed age (which is 27, by the way). Ibaka – a Congo native – took to Twitter on Saturday to rebuke the stereotypes that he believes stem from his African heritage:
— Serge Ibaka (@sergeibaka_7) July 1, 2017
These rumors about Ibaka’s age have been around for years, and his play on the court has served to reinforce them. For the past few seasons, Ibaka has noticeably slowed, blocking fewer shots and attacking the rim with less ferocity. Instead, he’s played on the perimeter much more, developing an outside shot. Is that due to his age slowing him down, though, or is it his way of adapting to today’s NBA? After all, Blake Griffin – whose age isn’t under question – has undergone similar changes.
Ibaka is not the only player to have had his age questioned. Milwaukee Bucks rookie Thon Maker has dealt with similar accusations, as have many other prospects in the past: Shabazz Muhammad, Yi Jianlian, Ersan Ilyasova and Bismack Biyombo, to name a few.
Ibaka spent the first seven years of his NBA career with the Oklahoma City Thunder until he was traded to the Orlando Magic last summer.
The Magic, finding themselves with an overcrowded frontcourt after also signing Bismack Biyombo, proceeded to trade Ibaka to the Toronto Raptors for Terrence Ross and a first-round pick in February.
In his 23 games (all starts) with the Raptors last season, Ibaka averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 39.8 percent from three-point range.
On Sunday, Ibaka reportedly agreed to sign a three-year, $65 million deal to stay in Toronto.
