As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for their highly anticipated Opening Night, All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the influential presence of former player Serge Ibaka, who attended practice ahead of the season opener. This milestone event is significant for the franchise, as it marks the raising of their first championship banner. Gilgeous-Alexander spoke about the importance of Ibaka’s legacy and his connection to the team.
Ibaka, who spent the first seven seasons of his NBA career with the Thunder, played a pivotal role as the defensive anchor during a successful era that featured stars like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, culminating in a Finals appearance in 2012. Gilgeous-Alexander fondly recalled Ibaka’s contributions and the impact he had on the franchise, as well as his championship win with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
“Super cool. He was part of the Thunder team that built a foundation here,” Gilgeous-Alexander expressed. He emphasized the respect Ibaka commands within the organization, acknowledging that while he may not be a household name, his influence on winning is widely recognized. “You saw that when he was in Toronto and won a ring. Just one of those guys that’s really good at basketball,” he noted, highlighting Ibaka’s abilities and contributions.
Serge Ibaka’s accomplishments include being named to the All-Defensive First Team and being a runner-up for the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2012, showcasing his defensive prowess. His presence at the Thunder’s Opening Night adds to the excitement as the team celebrates its historic achievement before facing off against Durant and the Houston Rockets at the Paycom Center.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault is mindful of the emotions that come with this significant occasion but has chosen not to give a pre-game speech aimed at separating these feelings from the competition. He recognizes the event’s potential to serve as a distraction but believes in the team’s ability to manage it effectively. “It’s a great thing for everybody — for the fans and everything. But it is a distraction,” Daigneault remarked, expressing confidence in the team’s preparedness for the game.
The Thunder will officially commence the 2025-26 NBA regular season on Tuesday, and this poignant celebration of their first championship is set to elevate the atmosphere as they embark on a new journey. The acknowledgment of players like Ibaka serves to inspire both current and future generations of thunderous talent in Oklahoma City.