Ranking the best NBA Draft 24th-overall picks of the 21st century
By Logan Struck
2. Serge Ibaka, Drafted in 2008
The 33-year-old PF/C, Serge Ibaka, has had a great career. After getting drafted 24th overall in 2008 by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ibaka immediately became a premier shot blocker in the NBA. Averaging 1.3 blocks in just 18 minutes per game, his rookie year was just the beginning.
The 14-year veteran is in the top 25 of NBA all-time block leaders, with his career-high blocks per game coming in 2011-12 with 3.7, on his way to an NBA Finals appearance with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Even though he was drafted 24th overall, Ibaka is top 10 in his class in every statistical category except assists. Serge Ibaka is a three-time All-Defensive team, two-time NBA block leader, and even won the 2019 NBA Finals as a member of the Toronto Raptors.
Being the only ever NBA player born in the Republic of the Congo, Ibaka defied the odds and became one of the greatest shot blockers of this generation. He also cemented himself as one of the best players in Oklahoma City’s franchise while sneaking into a potential Hall of Fame conversation.
While he may not make the Hall of Fame, Ibaka has had a successful career and was a steal for the Thunder with the 24th overall pick back in 2008.