Orlando Magic Daily
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2018 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview: Mohamed Bamba looking to add to Orlando Magic’s long history at center

By Cj Kania

AUSTIN, TX - FEBRUARY 12: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns holds the ball away from Tristan Clark #25 (back) and Jake Lindsey #3 (front) of the Baylor Bears at the Frank Erwin Center on February 12, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - FEBRUARY 12: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns holds the ball away from Tristan Clark #25 (back) and Jake Lindsey #3 (front) of the Baylor Bears at the Frank Erwin Center on February 12, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /
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The Bad

If Mohamed Bamba does not become anything more than an around the rim threat offensively then is it worth picking him as high as he is going to go in the draft?

Far too often centers nowadays just become unplayable down the stretch of games if they do not pose a threat offensively. In Orlando, we have long seen the ill effects of having a player who impacts only one side of the floor especially at the center position.

There are questions about his motor and drive to get better. His raw skills seemed to be enough and he did not display much else in his lone year in college.

It begs the question: Will he put in the work he needs to in order to reach his ceiling and become a threat on both ends of the floor?

There were times this season where Bamba would be invisible for halves at a time. And his rudimentary offensive game made it difficult to keep him involved. He floated to the perimeter too often too, falling in love with his jumper if the first one went in.

At 216 pounds, he is not a physical guy. He can sometimes get pushed out of position on both ends. And he has trouble going up strong and finishing through contact at the rim.

That slight frame is also a concern. It may help with his ultimate mobility, but it could hurt him as he tries to attack the glass. His physical gifts will keep him afloat, but the NBA can be a much more skill-based game.

The other issue with Bamba is just simply whether his position carries enough value in the NBA today to warrant picking him with one of the top picks in the draft. If he is not going to be a go-to scorer or playmaker then is he the type of player you can build around in 2018.