2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Mohamed Bamba

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 06: Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic warms up before his team’s game against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Cox Pavilion on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Magic defeated the Nets 84-80. 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. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

The Orlando Magic added Mohamed Bamba as a centerpiece to their defense and vision for their future. But he will need time to become the team’s pivot point.

The Orlando Magic front office was elated when Mohamed Bamba fell to them with the sixth pick in this past June’s draft.

Bamba’s intangibles — he has a 7-foot-10 wingspan in case no one has told you that in the last 10 minutes — high IQ and high character fit the mold of the new Magic. He was emblematic of the direction the team wants to go. A symbol fo the team turning over a new leaf.

During workouts this past summer Bamba seemed to be everywhere. He was mixing it up with other NBA players like LeBron James and Joel Embiid. The willingness to play and work with these greats shows he is already adapting to life in the NBA.

Bamba has also displayed his ability to stretch the floor and shoot from 3-point range since pre-draft workouts.

Bamba has also apparently been working hard in the weight room. Recent pictures on social media showed a beefed up Bamba.

This was not someone resting on his laurels but rather improving his game ahead of his first NBA season. It is safe to say Bamba is willing to put in the work.

The good news was he already had a strong base to build from. Especially for the skills the modern NBA requires.

In his only season with the Texas Longhorns, Bamba averaged 12.9 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game. Bamba’s skill set of rebounding and shot blocking should translate smoothly to the NBA. Offensively, it will be a work in progress.

He showed that in Summer League. He averaged 8.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game on 60 percent shooting in Las Vegas. He added 2.5 blocks per game for good measure. In the process showing his need to continue adding muscle and improve his jump shooter. But also just what kind of impact he might have.

As the season approaches, the Magic have four centers on their roster. He will have to earn his minutes, as all four centers are capable NBA players. But make no mistake, Bamba is the future.