At the time of writing, Basketball RealGM states there are five active Spanish representatives in the NBA. Of those, Serge Ibaka is one of the more experienced, first moving to the professional league in 2009. However, in 2020-21, the six-foot-ten power forward has thus far been unable to consistently showcase his on-court talents following a long-term lower back injury. Thankfully for the Los Angeles Clippers, the 31-year-old returned ahead of the team’s playoff ties with the Dallas Mavericks. So, let’s consider what his comeback means for the Clippers and Spanish Basketball.
Suffering from Lower Back Problems
It’s no secret that Ibaka’s been unlucky in 2020-21. Despite that, the 31-year-old currently averages the highest points-per-game tally of the NBA’s Spanish representatives. At the time of writing, the power forward averages a PPG of 11.07, giving him the fourth-highest figure of all Spanish players dating back to 1946. However, Ibaka has currently only played 41 games this season, which is the fewest of his NBA career.
Ibaka suffered an injury to his lower back earlier in the campaign, which kept him on the sidelines for 30 consecutive matches. According to Sports Illustrated, the Congolese-Spanish power forward had a nerve issue, meaning that he could only play a limited role in the Clippers’ fourth-place finish in the Western Conference. The report also details the scale of the loss to Tyronn Lue’s side, with Ibaka delivering his most efficient performance in his long-awaited comeback match against the Houston Rockets. Few can argue that the 31-year-old isn’t an integral part of Lob City’s setup, bringing defensive versatility to the court. While it’s unclear how the Clippers will fare in the playoffs, there can be no doubts that having Ibaka back and fit is a significant boost.
Ibaka is Spearheading Spanish Basketball’s Rise
It isn’t only the LA Clippers that benefit from Ibaka’s return from injury. As stated above, the 31-year-old is one of the best Spanish players to ever compete in the NBA, meaning that his comeback boosts the country’s professional basketball status. While the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Juancho Hernangomez, for example, is still building his legacy, Ibaka sets the benchmark for Spanish basketball. In 2019, the power forward played a pivotal role in elevating the sport’s appeal in Spain after winning his first NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors, beating the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Following Ibaka’s title-winning success, few can argue that basketball hasn’t reached new heights in Spain. This is evident from the fact that, in 2020, the Spanish ACB League – the country’s top professional division – took the United States market by storm. Furthermore, outside of broadcasting opportunities, the country’s ever-growing relationship with basketball has also influenced other aspects of mainstream entertainment.
In 2017, Pau Gasol, a former two-time Spanish-born NBA champion, was the cover star for the NBA 2K17 video game in Spain. The seven-foot-one forward now plays for FC Barcelona in Liga ACB, which showcases the division’s rise to prominence. Moreover, it speaks volumes about the sport’s growth that Gasol and Ibaka have influenced further opportunities in more diverse gaming markets, with the online casino sector embracing basketball themes. While you can learn more about bono sin desposito regulations in Spain at BonusFinder, many of the website’s recommended platforms for Spanish bettors host basketball-themed games. PlayUZU, for example, hosts Basketball Star, a five-reel Microgaming development that features various symbols, including gold medals. This component brings to life the thrill of winning an NBA title, which Gasol and Ibaka have achieved.
The Potential to Be the Best Spanish Player Ever
At 31 years of age, Ibaka still has plenty of time to solidify himself as Spain’s best-ever player. As long as he doesn’t suffer any long-lasting issues from his recent back injury, he has the talent and the team around him to compete for NBA championships over the coming years. Moreover, if he achieves this feat, he’ll likely continue to impact pop culture developments in Spain for many years to come.
