National Basketball Association

Serge Ibaka's knee clears MRI as soreness persists

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Serge Ibaka has experienced knee soreness that has caused him to miss about a week of action. The Orlando Magic had him undergo a MRI as he continues to sit

The biggest player acquisition for the Orlando Magic in this busy offseason came at the very beginning.

On Draft night, the Magic traded Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and the draft rights to Domantas Sabonis for Serge Ibaka. It was a risky move where the Magic gave up a lot for one elite defensive player.

So far, Ibaka has been a big what if for the Magic. He has missed practice since at least last Thursday with knee soreness. The Magic have held him out as a precaution.

On Tuesday, Orlando had Ibaka undergo a MRI on the knee, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports. The MRI revealed no structural damage and Ibaka should be cleared to play going forward.

The MRI was just a precaution, just like holding Ibaka out of practice with his knee feeling sore. But the Magic have plenty of reason to be cautious.

Ibaka missed the final 18 games of the 2015 season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery to treat a sore knee. This is not the first time he has experienced it. At that time, going the surgical route was a last resort since the team could not resolve his ongoing knee issues.

The Magic certainly hope rest will continue to resolve the soreness.

And after getting the clean bill of health, the Magic told Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, Ibaka would be available to play in Wednesday’s preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Frank Vogel said he probably would not play Ibaka since he has missed so much practice time already.

The Magic will play Wednesday’s game, take a day off Thursday and then get back to practice Friday leading into their next preseason game Oct. 12 against the San Antonio Spurs.

Orlando clearly invested in Ibaka a lot. The big trade transformed the team overnight. And the Magic are expecting Ibaka not only to anchor their defense as an elite rim protector but also improve on his 12.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game from last year.

The Magic are waiting just a little bit longer for Ibaka to hit the court.