Toronto Raptors: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 NBA season

4. Serge Ibaka needs to go

Midway through the 2016-17 NBA season the Toronto Raptors decided to take control of their contention window and make a win-now move. They moved young gunner Terrence Ross and a first round pick to the Orlando Magic for combo big Serge Ibaka.

The idea of Ibaka is alluring as a shot-blocking athletic big who can guard on the perimeter, protect the rim and space the floor on offense. But Ibaka has regressed in a major way this season, and especially in the playoffs, was not up to the task of serving as the team’s third option.

Defensively, Ibaka has struggled to guard more mobile 4s, falling behind as the league trends smaller and smaller. The problem is that offensively, Ibaka cannot punish smaller defenders, as his game has moved further and further from the rim.

In the Cleveland series, Ibaka was eventually moved to the bench where he could serve as backup center. At this point in his career he needs to play the 5, but on the Raptors he might be the third-best option at the position. If Toronto can find a suitor, it should seriously consider moving on from the onetime elite supporting player.