Following speculation and rumors that Serge Ibaka was not happy with his playing time and role with Spain in the Olympics, Ibaka came out with a statement saying he’ll return to Spain’s national team for the 2016 Olympics. This is what he told Marca.com:
“I don’t want to leave the National Team, I will play with Spain if they ask me to,” Ibaka said, “I feel very proud about playing with Spain.”
So, after all, Ibaka will return to Spain for the 2016 Olympics. I’m not so hyped up about this because it is in four years from now, so who knows what the future holds for Ibaka. Maybe in four years he will change in his mind. Who knows?
The only thing I know is that Pau Gasol and/or Marc Gasol will probably not be playing in the Olympics four years from now. With Marc being 31, and Pau being 37 in four years, this will give Ibaka an opportunity to play more.
Inside of the interview, Ibaka was also asked about this year’s Olympics, and said, ”Has been an incredible summer and the silver medal is a tremendous success. It has been something that will never forget. I have enjoyed it a lot.”
So, maybe he did enjoy the Olympics even though he didn’t get the playing time he wanted.
I think all Oklahoma City Thunder fans, and myself knew that Ibaka would eventually return to play with Spain down the road. Ibaka was probably a little angry at the moment, but knew he was eventually going to get over it. Which, after this statement, it looks like he did.
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