The Milwaukee Bucks are closing out their road trip with a noon tipoff in Miami. They will do so without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is nursing a sore left knee. Additionally, Khris Middleton is still coming back from injury while Serge Ibaka did not make the trip for personal reasons. In his press conference before today’s game, Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer stated that he does not expect Ibaka to return to the team when they get back to Milwaukee.
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said he does not expect Serge Ibaka (personal reasons) to join the team when they get back home to Milwaukee. https://t.co/J1cRbgQXV0
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) January 14, 2023
In a recent interview, Ibaka was asked about what head coach Mike Budenholzer has been asking him to do on the court. His reply indicated a certain level of unhappiness: “Well, the truth is I don’t know what to talk about this topic. No comment.”
Serge Ibaka with the Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks were able to acquire Serge Ibaka last season when they traded away Semi Ojeleye, Rodney Hood, and Donte DiVincenzo. In 19 games with the Bucks last season, Ibaka averaged 7.0 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
This season, however, with Brook Lopez playing at an All-Star level, Ibaka has seen his playing time decrease. He has only appeared in 16 games this season and is averaging a career-low 11.6 minutes per contest.
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