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J.J. Redick’s advice to Mohamed Bamba: Ask veterans questions, be prepared for Steve Clifford’s quizzes

By Philip Rossman-Reich

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic talks to the media during the 2018 NBA Rookie Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic talks to the media during the 2018 NBA Rookie Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mohamed Bamba joined the J.J. Redick Podcast to discuss his preparations for his rookie season. Redick offered some good advice for the rookie.

One of the first things Mohamed Bamba noticed when he met Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford was how precise Clifford wants things to be.

Early on in Summer League practice, the team went over a whole host of terminology for the team’s defensive coverages. Within a day or two, the players were handed a test. Yes, Clifford was actually going to give a pop quiz to these professionals to make sure they got it.

All this got a little chuckle from former Magic guard J.J. Redick. When he was with the Magic under Clifford, they too got the tests from the former high school teacher.

That part of Clifford has not changed. Nor will it as he tries to bring a young Magic team from the depths of the NBA back into Playoff contention. It is no easy task. And Bamba is, excuse the pun, a big part of that.

Orlando made Bamba the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. The 7-footer with the massive wingspan has the potential to help change the Magic’s defense. His improvement as a shooter suggests he could be a whole lot more.

But there is a lot of work to do before he reaches those heights. Again, apologies for the pun.

Bamba is busy at work improving his game, something he told Redick on the J.J. Redick Podcast players really do not have the time to do while they are in college. This is an opportunity to expand his game. Judging by his improved 3-point range, it seems Bamba has done that.

There is still a lot to learn and Bamba seems willing to do that learning. In a very engaging conversation with Redick, Redick offered his advice for Bamba: Ask lots of questions of veteran players. It is something Redick is surprised young players do not do more to him, and something he regrets not doing as much in his younger years.

Redick pointed to fellow Texas Longhorns alum D.J. Augustin (at 32, one of the oldest players on the team) and center Nikola Vucevic (someone who was in his second year when Redick left the Magic) as players Bamba should rely on to answer questions about preparing for a pro.

You can listen to the whole conversation here (including that weird story of Redick and his wife and sister-in-law finding a person in a cage in the back seat of a car they were in):

Bamba showed off a lot of the work he put in during Summer League. There he showed off that jumper and his athleticism as a rim runner and in transition. He also had plenty of good defensive presence.

Coming away from this interview, it is easy to see why the Magic liked Bamba the person. He definitely seems like a chill guy who understands the task ahead of him and is willing to put in the work. He asked Redick plenty of questions of his own as they discussed everything from preparing to the NBA, the college experience, Austin, Texas eateries and preparing for games.

The rookie will have his work cut out for him. And the Magic seem set to bring him along slowly.

He said he is already asking questions of older players, even hitting up Jonathan Isaac who has been in the gym at Amway Center plenty this summer.

Next. For Magic's young veterans, it's now or never. dark

At least it seems Bamba is ready to ask questions and follow Redick’s advice.