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Who Are The Unicorns Of The NBA?

By Cameron Stewart

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Serge Ibaka

While the players listed above are all-around players who also have the unicorn package, Ibaka might be the best example of the prototypical unicorn.

Ibaka’s led the league in blocks twice and been named to the All-Defensive First Team three times.

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Not all shot blockers are great rim protectors, but Ibaka is. As he’s matured, his block totals have declined but his rim protection is still elite. Last season, Ibaka allowed opponents to shoot 43.3 percent at the rim, the fifth-best percentage in the league.

He may have made his name as a defensive specialist but developed his jumper to become a bigger threat offensively. In Ibaka’s first three seasons, he attempted a total of six three-pointers. Over the past two seasons, Ibaka attempted 389 of them and made them at a 35.2 percent clip.

Ibaka stepped up his shooting in the playoffs, shooting 44.9 percent of his three-pointers.

With the Orlando Magic, Ibaka will have a larger role than he ever had while playing next to Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

The Magic desperately needed two things this offseason: a rim protector and to improve their spacing. Ibaka adds both, which is why the Magic were willing to part ways with Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and a lottery pick to acquire Ibaka.