Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic’s five most important players going into training camp

By Jean Racine

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 6: Jonathan Isaac #1 and Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic look on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 6: Jonathan Isaac #1 and Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic look on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mohamed Bamba, Orlando Magic
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 12: Mohamed Bamba #5 of the the Orlando Magic poses for a photo 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) /

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.