The Toronto Raptors acquired forward Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, but that might only be due to the fact that the Boston Celtics were unwilling to make a deal.
The Celtics, who are looking to improve their questionable interior defense, were interested in obtaining the athletic big man, but the C’s felt the Magic’s asking price of a first-round pick and a young prospect, namely guard Terry Rozier, was too high, according to Jared Weiss of CelticsBlog.com, citing league sources.
Ibaka made three-straight all-defensive first teams from 2012-14 while with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he has taken a step back this season with the Magic. Still, Ibaka does present a rare combination of long-range shooting and adequate rim protection, even though his blocks and defensive rating have been declining over the past few seasons, per Basketball Reference.
Boston still will need to address its interior defense if it hopes to push the Cleveland Cavaliers, who got some bad news Tuesday regarding forward Kevin Love, in the playoffs.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
