Orlando Magic’s five most important players going into training camp
By Jean Racine
Mohamed Bamba
Mohamed Bamba is 7-foot tall and has the longest wingspan recorded at the NBA Draft Combine at 7-foot-10. He is developing both his 3-point shooting and his post game to fit the modern NBA.
Even with his raw offensive skills, he is a player who can make a clear impact. Especially on defense.
In his lone year with the Texas Longhorns, he averaged 12.9 points and 3.7 blocks per game. His length and shot blocking ability should translate well right off the bat to start his NBA career.
Bamba is still a rookie. So expect the Magic to manage his minutes and not ask him for much offensively. But with his improving jump shot, that will not be a problem for Bamba.
He can spot up, cut and catch lobs at will. Bamba has great hands for a young big man and that will help him tremendously with his offensive production with catching lobs and quick passes.
Not only is Bamba talented on the court, but he is a beloved personality off the court. He has taken the NBA by storm. From the outset of being drafted he impressed the media with his charisma and smarts.
Most of Orlando is screaming out, “Mo Bamba” after the hit summer track “Mo Bamba” released by Mohamed Bamba’s childhood friend Sheck Wes. And there is plenty of good reason.
Bamba can be a transcendent defensive player right away. He has already added muscle to build. Bamba joked on Instagram earlier this week he traded Tropical Fantasy, a fruit-flavored drink for Muscle Milk in one of his latest Instagram posts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnR6KblFwZE/?taken-by=therealmobamba
Bamba already seems to have the personality and the physical traits to make an impact and resonate with Magic fans. The question as his first training camp approaches is just how quickly he can make that impact felt.
All eyes in the Magic Kingdom will be on Bamba for sure.