words // Brandon Richard
images // Nick DePaula
In his latest article, NBA.com's David Aldridge selected Serge Ibaka to dethrone Dwight Howard as the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year. When you take a look at the numbers, it's hard to argue his point. In 64 games, Ibaka has blocked 236 shots, which as of today is just 15 less than the Cleveland Cavaliers have blocked as a team. The 3.7 blocks per game Ibaka averages per game would be the most since Theo Ratliff blocked 3.74 during the 2000-2001 season. The competition will be stiff, but the Congo native has put together a resume worthy of nabbing him his first major NBA Award.
Helping Serge get the necessary lift to reject all of those shots are these adidas adiZero Shadow Player Exclusives, which were presented to him in three different OKC-inspired looks. There's the traditional white-based "home" and black "away" colorways, each complemented by a healthy amount of bright blue and orange soles. Additionally, there's a alternate blue-based style, helped by orange on the tongue and heel overlay and supported by a white sole. The tongue of each shoe reads "S-Ibaka" for personalization.
Serge will continue to wear his adiZero Shadow PEs throughout the NBA Playoffs. Take a closer look at each pair below and check back for more Player Exclusive footwear from adidas Basketball throughout the week.
