Milwaukee Bucks Solidify Frontcourt By Signing Defensive Big Man

The Milwaukee Bucks are running it back with free-agent center Serge Ibaka this upcoming season.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, both parties agreed to a one-year deal.

Acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers via four-team trade last season, the Congolese big man played a more supplementary role for the 2021 NBA Champions.

With the Bucks, he averaged 7.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks in the 19 games--a far cry from his usual production of 15.4 markers, 8.2 boards, and 0.8 blocks while shooting 38.5% beyond the arc with the Toronto Raptors.

The Bucks' signing of Ibaka means that they are not taking any chances this upcoming season as this is a clear signal that they are looking to make a deeper run in the playoffs next year.

The Bucks had a relatively successful season by lording over the Central Division, but their playoff run was cut short as they fell to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Bringing Ibaka back as a crucial reserve in the Bucks' frontline will solidify depth along with franchise star Giannis Antetekounpo, Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez.

While it is unclear if Ibaka will be able to replicate the significant numbers he had with the Raptors, the addition of Ibaka gives them another experienced rim-protector who can come off the bench and stretch the floor for the Bucks.

It is already expected that eyes will be on Milwaukee once the 2022-23 wars begin on October 18, 2022 after falling short in their NBA title defense.

Keeping Ibaka in the lineup seems to be a step in the right direction as the Bucks collect the right pieces to spearhead their road to redemption.