Just a couple weeks ago the Thunder ruled out Serge Ibaka for the rest of the playoffs.
He obviously returned and played well.
Was he playing through pain because his team needed him, or did he heal more quickly than anticipated?
The answer will probably determine his plans for this summer.
Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman:
Serge Ibaka said his hope is to play with the Spanish national team this summer, but that depends on how his injury responds.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 1, 2014
The first ever Basketball World Cup will be held in Spain, adding weight to Ibaka’s decision.
Spain has Pau Gasol and Marc Gasol, and in the 2012 London Olympics, their presence limited Ibaka’s minutes. But Pau is aging, and Ibaka has really developed in the last couple years. He’d be a major part of the home team.
Ibaka has three years and $37.05 million remaining on his Thunder contract, and he owes them a certain level of caution. But if he’s healthy enough to represent his country this summer, he should if he desires.
In the Western Conference finals, Ibaka put his health on the line for Oklahoma City. He can test his limits for Spain, too.
