RealGM

Posted: **Tue Aug 30, 2016 10:09 pm**

Ibaka wrote a guest column on SI.com about his summer. From being in Turkey during the coup, to being traded to Orlando, he covers everything that has happened to him over the past few months.

http://www.si.com/thecauldron/2016/08/30/serge-ibaka-orlando-magic-oklahoma-city-thunder

Right now, though, I feel like a rookie again. I’m thrilled to be in Orlando. I know that might sound crazy to some people, that I’m excited to go from a contender like the Thunder to a rebuilding team, one that hasn’t made the playoffs in four years, but playing now for Frank Vogel, a coach who prides himself on defense, is very exciting for me. We have a core of like-minded, young, athletic players, which is going to be very fun. We are an old-school, smashmouth team, and I can’t wait to don a Magic uniform on opening night.

The trade has given me a renewed opportunity to show you all of what I can do, and I can’t wait to see what happens in Orlando. We’re going to make some noise. It’s been a crazy summer, and I’m very ready for the fall to begin.

He also wrote an article for The Player's Tribune about his NBA journey.

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/serge-ibaka-oklahoma-city-thunder-orlando-magic/

My life has been full of so many experiences and lessons, and I plan to take all of them with me as I move from Oklahoma City to Orlando. I’ve learned a lot from every place I’ve ever lived. I feel blessed for that.

I’m thankful to God for this opportunity. I’m excited, man! It’s a hard challenge. It won’t be easy. I’m going to work hard, like Russ and KD taught me to. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans in Orlando. How lucky am I to go from one city that loves basketball to another? With Disney World nearby, I know my daughter — Ranie, she’s 10 — is going to love it, too.

I couldn’t be more excited to play with the young big men in Orlando. There’s a lot of talent on this team. We’re going to be flying around the court this year. I’m looking forward to going to work with them. I’m a different player than when I first came into the league. I understand that it’s time for me to take on a new role. Now I’m going to be one of the veterans.

Posted: **Tue Aug 30, 2016 10:46 pm**

Awesome.

He also has something on The Player's Tribune:

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/serge-ibaka-oklahoma-city-thunder-orlando-magic/

Posted: **Tue Aug 30, 2016 10:47 pm**

SOUL wrote:Awesome.

He also has something on The Player's Tribute:

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/serge-ibaka-oklahoma-city-thunder-orlando-magic/

I'll definitely add that.

Posted: **Wed Aug 31, 2016 1:41 am**

Just read this, just had to stop in to say Serge is a great great guy. Good luck to him in Orlando.

Posted: **Wed Aug 31, 2016 2:02 am**

Both of those were awesome reads. Can't wait to see him beast here with the Magic!

Posted: **Wed Aug 31, 2016 2:15 am**

I just feel like for some reason this team will play an angry brand, get after it type of basketball. Which will be a delight to see and root for.

Posted: **Wed Aug 31, 2016 2:58 am**

Man....if this guy were running for president right now I would vote fpr him!!!! I love what is coming to our town!!!!

Let's get Serge some goggles for the SunTrust bldg NOW!!!

Posted: **Wed Aug 31, 2016 4:02 am**

Well shucks..... he's getting me all warm and tingly inside! Was sad about losing vic... but felt like he was a great addition and an upgrade to the team. Now this solidifies my opinion as I can't help but see a First Class individual!

Welcome to Otown Serge!

Posted: **Wed Aug 31, 2016 4:15 am**

D Looking forward with great anticipation to our Orlando Magic utilizing the deepest, most talented front court in the NBA to dominate and abuse our competition! I realize they need a tremendous amount of help from the rest of the team to accomplish this but with continued improvement from Fornier, Herzonia, Payton and the new group Henny brought in we are imho much, much closer to excitement reigning in Amway on a nightly basis!!

Posted: **Wed Aug 31, 2016 12:42 pm**

I know my daughter — Ranie, she’s 10 — is going to love it, too.

Posted: **Wed Aug 31, 2016 1:58 pm**

j-ragg wrote:
I know my daughter — Ranie, she’s 10 — is going to love it, too.

I'll put this right here...

http://sports.yahoo.com/video/congo-heartland-nba-star-raises-061219575.html

Posted: **Wed Aug 31, 2016 6:46 pm**

Clearly he has had PR training; saying all the right words. There real issue is that he is playing out a contract year. He will thrive because he is focussed.

..

Posted: **Wed Aug 31, 2016 7:14 pm**

You know he may be lying but he keeps saying it all summer so to me it seems genuine. Ibaka and Biyombo's story of overcoming their hardships are an inspiration. Maybe they were destined to team up and bring us to the championship? I can dream right?

Posted: **Wed Aug 31, 2016 7:23 pm**

If anyone's interested, "Son of the Congo" is a great doc on Serge's background too.

Posted: **Thu Sep 1, 2016 12:19 am**

Contradicts his statements/other statements about him wanting to come here when he was traded.

Just hoping he brings the same passion he did for the OKC.

Posted: **Thu Sep 1, 2016 2:00 am**

With football season about to start I have been away for a bit. I just checked in and saw this story.

I have been a big fan of Ibaka for a while now. That might have doubled since reading this article.

He is a perfect fit for us on the court and he seems to have the perfect fit for us and our young roster off it. Love it!!

Posted: **Thu Sep 1, 2016 4:45 am**

Really glad too read this! Ibaka is going to be a great fit. Very excited about this season and what Vogel is going to do.

Posted: **Thu Sep 1, 2016 4:02 pm**

j-ragg wrote:
I know my daughter — Ranie, she’s 10 — is going to love it, too.

HAHA. Exactly my sentiment. Oh well, whatever.

Posted: **Fri Sep 2, 2016 9:07 pm**

Love Serge. Terrific guy, good player.

Posted: **Sun Sep 4, 2016 8:54 pm**

Serge Ibaka is going to be a great addition and is the perfect fit next to Nikola Vucevic if they keep him.

We will see how the pieces come together.

RealGM

SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article

Re: SI - Serge Ibaka: My Crazy Summer/ Players' Tribune Article