Serge Ibaka Introductory Press Conference

[OrlandO]

I like that Ibaka talked about being ready to take on a bigger role and that he's been working all these years for this moment. Tells me he really does see this as an opportunity for advancement and that he already has OKC in the rear view mirror... that's not necessarily the reaction you'd get from a lot of players traded from a contender to a non-playoff team. If he feels like a leader of the team at the end of the year that will go a long way in re-signing him.

[OrlandoDream]

Just watched, I like that Vogel plans to expand on his role on offense, that should help retain him...oh and a max contract $$$.

Interesting that Hennigan just kinda smiled when they asked Ibaka about if he plans to sign with us again and he gave the typical not thinking about next year yada yada yada crap. Maybe they have a private agreement?


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I don't think there is any agreement this far in advance but they got that "brolook." Those two def have a history and Ibaka feels comfortable around him. I think that will help when its time to make his decision next year but the best way to convince a player to want to stay is to win games. Even Ibaka said we need to make the playoffs. If we make the playoffs next year(which I think we will), I think he will stay. Kind of a similar situation with Batum and CHA. I don't see him leaving that team. A young team that traded for a veteran and had some playoff success.

Cant explain it, but I'm confident he will re-sign with us. This is a great situation for him.

[nymets1]

So it looks like Ibaka will be ready for whatever, He never was going to have a role on offense playing with Westbrook and Durant but apparently he's been ready for an increased role.

[T-DOT KEEZY]

the guy was from 96.9 the game

Guy goes by the name of Kravitz. He's paired up with the Shot Doctor. Shot was pretty excited Kravitz asked the question.

Kravitz was as well. Said that Ibaka's voice began to "shake"....sign these two up for radio journalists of the year. Lol

What did that "shake" mean to them? Because to me it sounded like he was pretty annoyed/angry someone would even say that about their relationship... as in, it's not true.

Brandon Kravitz said that his question "must have struck a nerve" as Ibaka seemed to get defensive about the question. Both him and the Shot Doctor were of the mind that the whole truth about the Ibaka situation will come out once KD re-signs with OKC.