Serge Ibaka, the 14-year NBA veteran, is leaving fans guessing about his future, after teasing a potential return to the league with a cryptic tweet on October 30 (h/t Hoops Rumors).
The 36-year-old posted a black-and-white image of himself practicing in an open gym at the University of Miami, with the caption “@nba Comeback.” His latest move has sparked widespread speculation about his next career steps.
Ibaka’s most recent NBA action came during the 2022-23 season when he played 16 games for the Milwaukee Bucks. In those appearances, he averaged 4.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 11.6 minutes per game.
However, his NBA tenure has been marked by consistency as a defensive powerhouse, earning three All-Defensive First Team selections and leading the league in blocks in 2012 and 2013.
The Congolese-Spanish big man also played a pivotal role in the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship run, adding a veteran presence to their frontcourt and contributing to their title-winning effort.
Following his NBA run, Ibaka spent two seasons in the EuroLeague, playing for FC Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. He averaged 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game for the Spanish giants in the 2024-25 season. His time in Europe was solid, with an impressive 62.5% shooting from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc, proving he still has value as a stretch big.
After parting ways with Real Madrid in July, Ibaka became a free agent, prompting rumors about his next move. Maccabi Tel Aviv monitored Ibaka’s situation in the offseason.
While Ibaka has maintained a low profile regarding his future plans, he has not closed the door on an NBA return. In August, he told CityNews Toronto, “You never know. Sometimes I’m like maybe soon, maybe no. You never know.” His statement indicates that retirement is not yet a certainty, and he remains physically and mentally prepared to compete at a high level.
