The Toronto Raptors have a tough task ahead defending their NBA title, the first in 24 years since the formation of the expansion franchise. Yet veteran big man Serge Ibaka believes his team won't be really defending its title, but rather swinging for a new one.
Unlike a championship belt in wrestling, mixed martial arts, or other competitive sports, the Raptors get to keep the trophy and their rings — forever a part of their legacy as a team. Ibaka explained the distinction:
“We aren’t going to try to defend the title, we already won and now it’s a new challenge, a new beginning and we’re going to try again,” Ibaka said before a team practice on Monday in Tokyo, according to Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun. “It’s not like we are going to defend the title (because now it’s a new one up for grabs). We’re going to try again. We’re not going to defend, we’re just going to try and compete. We already have that, we’re good. We want another one.”
Ibaka realizes it's a rather short-lived glory, as only four months have elapsed before their celebration turns into yet another challenge:
“What happened last year is over, we already know we’re the champs,” said Ibaka. Now it’s a new challenge and it will be even harder. I always say anything is possible so we’re going to go try that.”
The prospect of another title is now more bleak after the departure of Kawhi Leonard, the key cog that put the Raptors over the top during a rousing postseason run.
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