The NBA’s low-post Yoda, Hakeem Olajuwon, has reached out to the OKC Thunder about tutoring big man Serge Ibaka on the block. Per the Oklahoman: “Olajuwon’s representatives contacted [head coach Scott Brooks], who teamed with the former Rockets star, via text on Tuesday. Olajuwon originally expressed his interest in working with Ibaka to Fox Sports last month, saying the Thunder’s runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year ‘needs it.’ Brooks on Tuesday said that he loves the idea. ‘I played with Hakeem for three years,’ Brooks said of his stint with Olajuwon and the Rockets from 1992-95. ‘He’s one of the best to ever play the game. Anytime you can get players that played at a high level that can share their insight, you have to take advantage of it.’ Ibaka has a small window of availability this summer. He will compete for Spain in the London Olympics, which run from July 27 through August 12. It’s unclear what Ibaka’s plans are beyond that. Typically, many Thunder players reconvene in Oklahoma City several weeks prior to the start of training camp to begin voluntary workouts as a team. Ibaka has gotten more comfortable and confident on the offensive end every year he’s been in the NBA. In his third season, Ibaka averaged 9.1 points on 53.5 percent shooting as the fourth option behind Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. But Brooks said after the season that Ibaka can be even better offensively.”
Trending
01
02
03
