The Ongoing Evolution of Serge Ibaka

It is indisputable that the Toronto Raptors’ two most important players are DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. They’ve been the team’s motor for the past four seasons, and this year is no different.

If the Raptors are ready to make a huge leap forward this year and challenge for the NBA championship — as some observers are beginning to think is possible — the key to a long run is Serge Ibaka. While DeRozan and Lowry will lay the foundation for the club’s continued success in 2018, it will probably be a rejuvenated Ibaka who makes the difference between another mid-round exit and a serious run.

This may come as a surprise to Raptors’ fans. Despite being a top big man for much of the last decade,…