Top PF going into the 2012-2013, #10 Serge Ibaka

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We start our countdown of the top power forwards heading into the 2012-2013 season with Serge Ibaka of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ibaka became the starter once Jeff Green was shipped out and has been a force on the defensive end. He was a key component this last season in the Thunder's run to the NBA championship. Ibaka averaged 9.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and a incredible 3.6 BPG during the regular season. He led the league in the blocks department and the next closest person was the mercurial Javale Mcgee with 2.16 BPG.
Now, Ibaka had a very disappointing NBA finals against the Heat averaging just 7.0 PPG 5.2 RPG and   2.0 BPG on 42% shooting. But we must look at his whole body of work to realistically evaluate him. Ibaka's strong hold is of course on the defensive end, he made the All-NBA defensive first team. Ibaka anchors the OKC Thunder, he is a great weak side defender and covers up a lot of defensive mistake by the Oklahoma perimeter players. Take for example this pick and roll play between Parker and Duncan on the right side of the floor. The whole right side was clear and Parker masterfully split the pick and roll just to find himself rejected by Ibaka on the weakside help. What makes him such a formidable weak side helper is his speed and quickness, it took him less than a second to get to Parker, and his timing is impeccable. Then combine that with his Athletic ability and you have this play.
In addition, Ibaka is also a very good one on one defender, he is aggressive, has great upper body strength and has great lateral quickness. In this play, he is beaten off the dribble by Gasol and recovers beautifully to save his team 2 points. He is great blocking shots while helping, guarding his own man, or even on the fast break. Bottom line he has great instincts. Not to mention the fact that he alters a significant amount of shots at the rim that dont show up on the stat sheet.
Ibaka's defensive tenacity overshadow his capable offensive skills. He has developed a great jump shot out to the 18 feet area, and has great hands. He catches everything and finishes well above the rim, this isn't more obvious than in his 26 point 11/11 FG performance against the Spurs in a crucial game 4 against the Spurs.
Ibaka has a series of highlight blocks, and is an elite defender. He will turn 23 this september and still has room to grow. If he continues his development offensively, then look for Ibaka to rise on this list. He needs to continue to develop his jumpshot and establish a legit low post repertoire, this must begin with a go-to move which he has yet to show. Defensively, we don't see how he can get much better, his rise on the best power forwards of the NBA will depend on his offensive game. If he does watch out.
NBA News
-Sources say that the Magic will keep Howard for now
- Kirk Hinrich will return to his former team the Bulls
-Bulls are also interested Marco Belinelli
-The Heat are interested in Darco Millicic, which would give them 4 out of the top 5 picks of 2003
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