An NBA reporter claims that Serge Ibaka resents Marc Gasol and attributes Gasol’s departure from the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors have been struggling hard to start this NBA 2020-21 season. They are currently ranked 29º in the offensive standings, boasting a 1-5 record before his game against the Phoenix Suns tonight.
The Raptors had to adjust to the maximum this season, as they were not allowed to play in Toronto due to COVID restrictions. Therefore, they are now located in Tampa Bay.
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The Toronto Raptors also didn’t seem to have had a particularly good offseason. The only positive aspect of this was the rehiring of the swingman OG Anunoby. Other than that, they released Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol and tried to replace them with Aron Byanes, which clearly isn’t working.
Serge Ibaka wanted to stay in Toronto, but failed because of Marc Gasol
It is being reported by Michael Grange of Sportsnet that Ibaka wanted to return to Toronto, but only on a one-year contract. However, due to the Raptors wanting to retain Marc Gasol, this could not happen. Grange said,
“The Raptors’ first offer was about $ 12 million for this season and that was below what he expected. Although Toronto raised $ 14 million, they were still trying to keep some dry powder to fetch Gasol.
“That did not go well for Ibaka, who resented having to play for the Spanish international and would not sign for a shared role again. Ibaka quickly moved to the Los Angeles Clippers and its 2-year / $ 19 million deal. “
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The Raptors also did not sign Gasol, as he was hired by the Los Angeles Lakers for a one-year contract. Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol were 2 of the 7 best Raptors players. They helped to stretch the ground for them while also anchoring their defense.
Not to mention that placing Gasol beyond the arc or around the free-throw line would almost always result in a neat pass for a back door cutter. Without them, Toronto seems lost in defense and attack. As Kyle Lowry said, “We lost our arrogance.”