The Oklahoma City Thunder are near completion of another successful regular season and appear ready for another deep playoff run. There were many people, myself included, that wondered if the Thunder would take a step back after trading James Harden, the team's third star. 

Harden's blazing start for the Houston Rockets intensified the debate in basketball circles. In the Thunder locker room, however, they never panicked. Happy to see Harden emerge as a star, the focus for Oklahoma City quickly shifted to Serge Ibaka.

Losing a special player is never an easy thing, especially when you attempt to replace himf. So the Thunder never make the mistake of asking any of their players to be Harden. Instead, they looked to Ibaka and told him it was time for him to take his place as a leader and premier player on the team. 

Judging by their record, the approach has worked.

The defending Western Conference champions haven't missed a beat and the 23-year-old forward has enjoyed his best season. His team is winning and their confidence in his ability has never been higher.

"He’s a big part of our group and we’re glad we have him for many years,” Thunder head coach Scott Brooks said of Ibaka. “He’s only going to get better as the years go by. Coming into the season when we made the (Harden) trade, he knew he had to increase his role and he’s done a good job. 

"He’s really improved his game. Just to be around the group together another year has helped his IQ from a basketball standpoint. I think that’s improved a lot through the experiences we’ve had through the playoffs."

Seen as an athletic big man with great off-ball defensive instincts, Ibaka has grown his game over the last few seasons. No longer just a shot-blocker, he's added an offensive touch to his game that takes pressure off Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

"He has a very important role on both ends of the floor," Brooks said. "He’s a very good defender, a shot-blocker and a shot-changer. Offensively, he makes jump shots. He’s one of our best 17-foot jump shooters and he’s taken it out and hit corner threes this season. That’s only going to improve."

Ibaka has truly benefitted from not trying to replace Harden. Accepting and knowing his role has allowed him to win the respect of his teammates and made his job a lot easier.

"He knows what his role is," Kevin Durant said of Ibaka. "Set screens, run the floor, be a defender and knock down open jumpers; he’s done that to a tee. You have to give him his respect because he’s worked so hard and stepped up when we’ve needed him."

"He’s hit big shots and made big plays on the defensive end. He alters so many shots and makes guys think twice about coming in the lane. He’s played phenomenal this year and we really like what he brings to the table. Hopefully he’s continues to play well."

Everything is a process and the season hasn't been all good, all the time for Ibaka. The increased role has, at times, been a struggle. When he finds that things are getting tough, or he has a tough game, Ibaka simplifies everything and goes back to working hard, the truest thing he knows, to get back himself on track.  

"The season has had some ups and downs, but I’ve tried to do the best I can and play hard every night," Ibaka said. "Some nights are hard, but I don’t make any excuses. I just try to stay focused and play the best I can. My coaches and teammates expect more from me every night. I know they’re counting on me and I want to play my best for them."

Ibaka's real test will come once the playoffs start. 

Each season, the Thunder have advanced a step forward. The next step is a championship and Ibaka will be a big piece of the equation. There is an understanding that the Thunder won't win a title if Ibaka doesn't play at the highest level. 

It's a challenge he's looking forward to and ready to embrace.

"There is some pressure on me for the playoffs, I won’t lie," Ibaka said. "I’m the kind of guy that likes pressure because it gives me motivation to keep playing, stay focused and be ready."