As it stands, Brook Lopez is the only true center in the Milwaukee Bucks’ lineup. The front office can remedy that predicament without breaking the bank by signing former Orlando Magic big man Mo Bamba.
After a one-year stint playing college basketball for Texas, Bamba declared for the 2018 NBA Draft and was selected by the Magic using the sixth overall pick. But unlike some of his peers in the same draft class, such as Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, the 7′ big man’s career never really went off in Orlando.
His run with the Magic from 2018 to 2023 saw Bamba average 7.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He also shot 47 percent from the field, 36 percent from deep, and 68 percent from the free throw line during that period.
Although he played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers these past two seasons, Bamba hasn’t made the most of his time on the court that much. Even if that’s the case, his physical tools and outside shooting may garner some attention from NBA teams in the offseason since his contract is Philly is now up.
Mo Bamba Named As Milwaukee Bucks’ Possible Target During Free Agency
Like big man Brook Lopez, Bamba can stretch the floor while providing interior defense on the other end of the court. Dalton Sell explains his upside for Milwaukee in an article for Behind the Buck Pass.
“The 7-foot Bamba has consistently shown potential throughout his career, but after having the best year of his career in 2021-22, his minutes have lessened over the last two years. Having just turned 26, he’s still young and has some attributes that could help this team, primarily his shot-blocking and mobility, two things the Milwaukee Bucks would welcome.
His ability to knock down the long-ball also cannot be overlooked. Shooting 36.1 percent from deep on 2.3 attempts per game in his career, he’s more than capable of letting it fly. When playing next to Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s key to have a big man who can shoot, which is why Lopez has been so successful. Bamba could provide that same spacing,” Sell wrote.
With the Greek Freak operating inside the paint and All-Star guard Damian Lillard outside it, having Bamba on the wing will potentially add another layer to the Bucks’ offense. His ability to swat shots is also a welcome development for head coach Doc Rivers should Milwaukee snag him in the offseason.
It remains to be seen whether the Bucks will get Bamba or another team will swoop in instead. In any case, there’s a lot of upside in the former Magic rookie at a cost that won’t hurt the team’s cap space.
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