The Orlando Magic’s most controversial signing has become one of the big talking points of training camp. Everyone appears impressed with Bismack Biyombo.
When reports began surfacing the Orlando Magic would sign Bismack Biyombo — to a four-year contract paying him $17-million per year — it was met with puzzled looks and bewilderment. No other move the Magic in this busy offseason seemed to muddy the waters more for this team.
It raised questions about roles, fit and salary allocation. Before Biyombo even arrived, the Magic were seemingly put into turmoil with the potential conflict between their two centers and their now congested front court.
Any hint of that frustration may lay dormant until the team starts playing games. In the early days of camp, Biyombo has shined unlike any other player.
Interacting with him for the first time, it is hard not to be impressed with his gregarious nature, yet his focused and encouraging attitude. On the sideline, his voice booms above all others it seems. As imposing as his long wing span and shot blocking prowess is.
Quickly everyone is learning to love having Bismack Biyombo around.
“I always do that,” Biyombo said. “A lot of people were on my team hate me before. But I think it’s more of what needs to be done for my team to win a game. And that’s what’s important. Our goal this year is to be that defensive team. If we’re going to be that defensive team, we have to establish ourselves in the paint. That’s my job. So I have to take care of my guys so they can feel free playing again.”
Biyombo’s former teammates certainly seem to be missing him and the security blanket he can provide.
His on-court numbers are hardly impressive. But he makes a clear and deep impact defensively, especially with his shot blocking and rim protection. Biyombo was tied for second in the league among centers who played at least 20 minutes per game in giving up 45.2 percent shooting at the rim. He averaged 1.6 blocks per game off the bench playing in less than half the game.
And everyone knows what Biyombo did in the Playoffs when his minutes increased with Jonas Valanciunas‘ injury — 6.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in about 30 minutes per game during the Eastern Conference Finals.
His former Toronto Raptors teammates miss him for that backstop he provided.
"I almost cried...welp." - Lowry on Biyombo leaving. Yes, he said welp.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) September 26, 2016
Kyle Lowry almost cried when Bismack Biyombo left….welp
Kyle Lowry is a big fan of Bismack Biyombo just like everybody else, and he almost cried when he heard Biyombo left..welp.
Biyombo’s absence was noticeable in Toronto. His former coaches and teammates were complimenting him for his play and lamenting his absence some, according to the National Post in Toronto. It is not as much even for his play, but for the personality he brings to the locker room.
Something Biyombo hopes to bring to Orlando.
“Being in Toronto, I’ve created a brotherhood,” Biyombo said. “To hear that from the coaches and players is a great feeling. At the same time, they know it’s all love. I love those guys. It’s great that we had a chance to compete and achieve what he have achieved. With that being said, I’ve made friends and family there. It’s great to hear that from them. To me, here is a great opportunity to help a team get to where we want to go and we envision ourselves to be.”
That is the new challenge for Biyombo. To bring his energy and shot blocking to the Magic and help his new team achieve their goals.
For now, Biyombo seems satisfied with his role and eager, like everyone else on the team, to play again.
The Magic ran full scrimmages in Thursday’s practice and Wednesday’s second practice, coach Frank Vogel said. With Serge Ibaka sitting out with knee soreness (Vogel said it was routine maintenance and something that was not considered serious), the Magic used lineups pairing Nikola Vucevic and Bismack Biyombo together.
Despite the thought the two would be competing for playing time, Nikola Vucevic and Bismack Biyombo reportedly worked well together, setting each other up and complementing each other well.
His impact on the floor is felt as much as his voice and personality off it so far.
“Obviously, he is a guy who has a lot of energy on defense,” Vucevic said. “On offense, he runs the floor really hard. He goes to the boards. It is much easier to play with him. Especially for a guy like me who can step out and pass the ball. It’s been fun to play with him. We’ll keep building chemistry. When Serge gets back, with him as well. I think we’ll have three good bigs out there. It will be really tough to guard us.”
The Magic, for their part, are excited to have him on the team. It is much easier having Biyombo on your team than to go against him. As so many can attest.
Biyombo said he is focused on providing his characteristically strong defense. Any improvements to his offensive game will flow naturally through the team’s sets.
“I think I’ll let the season speak for itself,” Biyombo said. “I’ll let my game speak for itself. As I grow and my teammate grows together. We all have to figure it out. I’ve been working hard enough to be confident. I’m excited about the season.”
Next: Orlando Magic, Frank Vogel get off on the right foot
That excitement seems mutual when it comes to the Magic’s big free-agent addition.