Serge Ibaka, the seasoned NBA veteran, has found a new basketball home across the Atlantic, as he joins FC Bayern Munich in Germany after a remarkable 14-year career in the NBA. Following his contract buyout with the Indiana Pacers in February, Ibaka expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to play for Bayern Munich.
Serge Ibaka considers his contract with Bayern Munich a “blessing”
In a press conference on Thursday, Ibaka shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m here to play basketball because I’m a basketball player. I love this game. Number two, this organization has a big history. Being part of this organization is a blessing to me. I’m grateful to be here, working with someone I knew in the past.”
The 34-year-old power forward, known for his defensive prowess and versatility on the court, emphasized his desire to continue winning and contribute at a high level. Ibaka made it clear that he didn’t want to remain in the United States and wait for a team to sign him to a bench role. He believes he still has a lot of basketball left in him and wants to compete and win. Ibaka’s commitment to the game is evident, as he mentioned that he would retire when he no longer felt the desire to compete.
Furthermore, Ibaka expressed his willingness to be a positive influence both on and off the court for his new team. He aims to serve as a mentor and role model for the younger players while contributing to the team’s success. Ibaka’s experience and professionalism will undoubtedly be valuable assets for Bayern Munich as they strive for excellence.
Ibaka’s journey to Bayern Munich
Ibaka’s journey to Bayern Munich began with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he started the 2022-23 season. However, personal reasons led to his departure from the team, and he was subsequently traded to the Indiana Pacers during the NBA trade deadline in February. Unfortunately, Ibaka did not have the opportunity to showcase his skills in Indiana as he did not see any game action.
Prior to his stint with the Bucks, Ibaka played for the Los Angeles Clippers, who traded him to Milwaukee during the 2021-22 season. He then signed a one-year, $2.9 million deal to return to the Bucks in July 2022. During the 2021-22 season, Ibaka played in 19 games off the bench, averaging seven points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting an impressive 51.9 percent from the field in just under 18 minutes per game. However, his role diminished in the 2022-23 season, where he averaged 4.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in limited playing time across 16 contests.
Now, with his move to Bayern Munich, Ibaka is embarking on a new chapter in his basketball career. The opportunity to play for a historic organization like Bayern Munich, coupled with his desire to compete and win, has fueled his decision to join the German team. Fans of Bayern Munich will undoubtedly look forward to seeing Ibaka’s contributions on both ends of the court and benefitting from his wealth of experience.
As the 34-year-old forward begins this new chapter, it remains to be seen how he will adapt to the European style of play and the challenges it presents. However, there is no doubt that Serge Ibaka’s arrival in Germany has generated excitement and anticipation among both Bayern Munich fans and basketball enthusiasts alike.
