The Toronto Raptors has just acquired Serge Ibaka via trade. The Raptors hopes that the athletic big man is its missing link to finally get past Cleveland Cavaliers in the battle for east supremacy.

The Toronto Raptors has experienced quite a skid lately, dropping 11 out of their last 15 games. Though the Raptors is currently holding the fifth place in the East, the ranking is still disappointing considering that they went all the way to the East finals last season and they began this season with an impressive run.

The addition of Serge Ibaka to the Raptors' roster has generated hope to the underperforming Toronto team. Speaking with NBA.com, Raptors' All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry, said that the team could use everything that Ibaka is bringing to the table, the scoring, floor spacing, toughness and the shot-blocking.

ABC News gave the Raptors a grade of A- for acquiring Serge Ibaka. The Raptors has probably snagged the best power forward available in the NBA trade market with the Ibaka Raptors trade.

Ibaka with a 38.8% beyond the arc accuracy is registering a career high in terms of three points percentage. This marksmanship will be of great help in providing more space for the All-Star backcourt duo of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry to operate.

Though Ibaka is averaging his lowest block per game average this season, the agile power forward is still able to alter shots with his presence down the rim. Ibaka is also an excellent upgrade in terms of defending the league's best stretch fours due to his athleticism.

Ibaka can also provide a third scoring option for a Raptors team that relies heavily on their All-Star front court duo for production. Though Ibaka is yet to suit up for the Raptors, the Ibaka Raptors deal has already produced a glimmer of hope to Toronto fans.