New Raptor Serge Ibaka says he's excited to play 'for something again'

TORONTO -- Serge Ibaka is excited to play for a contender.

The new Toronto Raptor, who was acquired in Tuesday's trade that sent Terrence Ross to Orlando, says he's looking forward to "playing for something again."

Ibaka met with the media prior to the Raptors' tipoff against the Charlotte Hornets.

The power forward, who spent seven seasons in Oklahoma City before being acquired by the Magic last summer, was unsure whether he would play against Charlotte.

Ibaka's arrival injects some renewed hope into the Raptors, who've been mired in their worst slump in two years.

Toronto has 11 of its last 15 games and plummeted to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.