The Oklahoma City Thunder have high hopes for the 2013 NBA playoffs. While Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook may record the headlines and most points for the team, it'll be the play of energy forward Serge Ibaka that determines how successful the Thunder are in reaching their high expectations. Ibaka signed a, $48 million extension during the 2012 offseason, and he's lived up to the nonsense during the 2012-13 NBA season. The 23-year-old is putting up career-highs in points per game, rebounds per game, free-throw percentage, field-goal percentage and minutes. Any team will want one of their advanced participants to respond that way after receiving this type of profitable offer. However, Ibaka can also disappear at times, particularly against he that is forced by teams out of his rut. One of many biggest good reasons for Ibakaas increased scoring output is his much-improved jump shot. He's shot a remarkable 49 per cent from mid selection this season. That increased firing mark has especially benefited the Thunder in regards to the pick-and-roll. Other teams had enough trouble trying to guard Russell Westbrook coming away from those screens. Now, they are able to no further however give attention to him. If they do, Ibaka is likely to be willing to destroy a jumper and place following the display. Ron Carr/Getty Photographs While that's an excellent duality to possess in a spot guard and large man, Ibaka must continue to increase his skills in this area. There are clubs that are able to hold Westbrook out from the street and still cover Ibaka going off the screen. One thing he needs to learn how to do is roll to the hoop for alley-oops and clear looks at the wheel. The only real place in which he shoots better than mid-range is at the edge, where he makes 73 per cent of his field-goal attempts. Yet another major aspectAIbaka could improve in is his rebounding. His current level of 7.8 per game is respectable, nevertheless the the fact is he is effective at much, much more. This dilemma mostly needs to do with how organic Ibaka still is really as a player; he is still learning how to make use of his silly running ability in the most efficient methods. However, they can take measures to complete better this postseason. One serious problem the Thunder have had in their recent failures are quitting offensive rebounds. While Kendrick Perkins has received a lot of the fault among fans, Ibaka is also responsible. He has to go back to the basics of stopping out. He's too athletic to be quitting offensive boards for some of the players he is been battling underneath the post. The Thunder have a fantastic shot at winning the West for the second straight year. But, Ibaka has to provide them with a scoring threat and an improved rebounding attempt. As they are larger than average across their starting five, few groups can fit the Thunderas size. But nothing will be meant by that advantage if Ibaka can not cause the havoc he's effective at.
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