In the middle of last season, Serge Ibaka broke up with the Bucks in an early agreement, and was finally traded to the Pacers as expected. Later, he was laid off and unemployed. At the end of the season, Ibaka mentioned this matter again. Ibaka believed that the lack of communication between the Bucks was the main reason, and even suggested that the Bucks had two sides.
Although Mike Budenholzer, the former Bucks head coach, never promised Ibaka playing time, he was puzzled because when the team was healthy, he was in the rotation of the team, but when the team striker was injured, he just sat on the bench and couldn’t play.
In an interview with Chalana, a well-known journalist of The Athletic, Ibaka said, "When I went to talk with Bucks’ management, they told me different things. They said they loved me and wanted me to stay, but when I returned to the stadium, everything was different and I couldn’t stand it any longer. 」
Ibaka even revealed, "I love this sport very much, but if it makes me feel bad and unhappy, it is not worth going on." I have gained respect in this league. I’m not asking how to play. I just want to communicate with each other. 」
Ibaka has always been an excellent frame protector in the league with his amazing mobility and defensive skills, but last season he only played 16 games, averaging 11.6 minutes, scoring 4.1 points and 2.8 rebounds, which was the worst season since he entered the NBA14 for 14 years.