Magic take Mohamed Bamba with 6th overall pick
With the sixth pick in the NBA draft, the Orlando Magic drafted Texas center Mo Bamba.
The potential with Bamba is obvious. The 20-year-old boasts a ridiculous 7-foot-10 wingspan that dwarfs even the likes of Rudy Gobert. Bamba blocked 3.7 shots per game as a freshman, and showed enough polish with his jumper to be an ultra-rare shot-blocking stretch-five. At the very least he should be a lob threat and a dominant defender.
Bamba, however, has a knack for fading in and out of games. He's not always as focused and as aggressive as one would like, and given that his stature is so large, the inconsistency in his effort becomes particularly noticeable. He's also slender and needs more bulk to defend his position.
Mo Bamba Bio
Position: C
School: Texas
College Experience: Freshman
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 215 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot-10
Strengths
- Exceptional wingspan that ranked beyond the likes of Gobert and Anthony Davis at the NBA combine. Projects to be one of the best defenders in the draft.
- Fluid and quick athlete. Should be a strong pick-and-roll finisher despite limited explosion around the basket.
- Strong interviews at every workout. Teams raved about his awareness and knowledge of the game.
- Improving as a shooter. Worked with Kevin Garnett on his perimeter game leading up to the draft.
- Excellent rebounder. Uses his length and athleticism to clean up the glass.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent motor. Can be frustrating to watch since it's obvious when he's driving and when he's just a passenger.
- Needs to be stronger. Thin frame doesn't allow him to hold his position in the paint, which will affect him on both ends.
- Limited offensively. Lacks finesse around the rim.