A defensive-minded veteran and a highlight-reel up and coming star switched teams as the February 23, 2017 deadline is approaching. Both are expected to fill the gap that their new ball club is expected of them to fill.
Reports from the Orlando Sentinel confirmed that power forward Serge Ibaka was shipped by the Orlando Magic in exchange for Terrence Ross and a 2017 first round pick in an intent to shake the line-up after a dismal performance this season. The 27-year old Ibaka appeared to be the Raptors' target since last year when 7-year veteran was relegated to the trading block by Oklahoma City Thunder.
The current 4th seed Toronto, as Orlando Sentinel confirmed, revealed that they took a chance to acquire the then OKC leading shot blocker back when he was still being offered to teams. The Thunder, however, opted to accept Magic's offer to sign Ibaka in exchange for guard Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and the rights for their 2016 first round pick who turned out to be Gonzaga Bulldog's Domantas Sabonis.
According to reports from SB Nation, Despite scoring 15.1 points per outing, his career-best, his 6.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game are still respectable but those numbers aren't not the Magic expected from the 24th pick of the 2008 Draft. It was noticed that the stats he is producing have dropped drastically compared to what he normed as part of the Kevin Durant - Russell Westbrook led Thunder but developed his three-point shooting, making 38.8 percent this season.
Ross, on the other hand, has been relegated to an off-the-bench role since last year's season but maintained his high-clip shooting from downtown, making a career 37.6 percent. The 2013 All Star Slam Dunk champion expressed his excitement playing in Orlando.
"They have a nice, young core group of talent, and I think with the right work ethic and the right support behind us, I feel like that team can do a lot of great things in the future", the Portland native said. He added that he his ecstatic to be part of the line-up revamp and his willingness to take the step forward.
The Magic is currently on 21-36 and hoping to turn their fortunes around with their acquisition.
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