Serge Ibaka leads Real Madrid's scorers in debut victory

Serge Ibaka scored a team-high 18 points and grabbed five rebounds in his debut for the Spanish team Real Madrid, helping the Spanish team Benfica 83 – 67 in its first preseason game, according to a EuroHoops report .

The 34-year-old center, who was a vital part of the most successful era of the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, is about to start his second consecutive season overseas after spending 14 years in the NBA.

Ibaka played for Bayern Munich in Germany last season. The team won the German Cup and the Bundesliga national championship and had a respectful showing in the Euroleague. The defensive specialist was Munich's top scorer with an average of 12.6 points (with a three-point shooting percentage of 48%) and best rebounder (6.8 rebounds per game).

After signing with Madrid, Ibaka bid farewell to the Munich club in a touching Instagram post, sharing his appreciation to the franchise for giving him a chance when everybody thought he was washed up.

Upgraded to one of Europe's legendary teams

Serge's new team, Real Madrid, is widely regarded as the greatest basketball club in Europe. Madrid has made it to the EuroLeague's Final Four in the past three seasons and won the EuroLeague title in 2023.

Ibaka, who played for the Spanish national team in international tournaments throughout his career, has joined forces in Madrid with legendary Spaniards Rudy Fernandez, Sergio Lull, and Sergio Rodrigez—all of whom have NBA experience.

Will Ibaka's jersey be retired in Paycom Center?

While the 34-year-old Ibaka may still hope to return to the NBA for one last stint, he will be spending the coming season in Europe, and it won't be surprising if he retires at the end of it.

When he does hang up his basketball sneakers, the OKC Thunder should consider hanging his jersey in the rafters of the team's home arena, the Paycom Center. Ibaka averaged 11.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in 524 games for the Thunder in his career, according to StatMuse . But his contribution went beyond the stats.

Ibaka was the most essential role player in the Thunder's golden years with Durant and Westbrook. He battled with the team in countless playoff games and was part of the squad that made OKC's only Finals appearance in franchise history in 2012. He deserves the ultimate respect that a franchise can give to a retired player.

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