Mohamed Bamba takes his first step in a long, patient journey

The Orlando Magic are trying to manage expectations for their 7-foot rookie. They can see the impact he is going to make but see this as the first steps.

It is hard to miss Mohamed Bamba on the floor. All 7-foot, 7-foot-10 wingspan of him. He is still a big presence on the floor even as he looks exactly like the rookie he still is participating in his first practice.

Mohamed Bamba is not with the Texas Longhorns anymore that is for sure.

There are not too many players in the Big 12 who can move like Jonathan Isaac (as inexperienced and green as he is). No one is nearly 7-feet tall and able to finish over and around a player with Bamba’s wingspan.

Mark that as one of the first lessons for the young rookie as he begins his NBA career.

Bamba participated in his first day of training camp Tuesday. Undoubtedly he is a player that has a lot of promise and excitement. Someone fans are eagerly waiting to see play and make an impact.

But he is also still a raw prospect developing his body and adjusting to a new, speedier league. He is not someone who will hit the ground running, ready to completely change the game for the Orlando Magic.

Even with that call for patience, everyone can see he has that potential even after just one practice.

"“He is super talented,” Aaron Gordon said. “Once the game starts slowing down for him, he’s going to be a monster.”"

But it is just one practice and they all know he still has a lot to learn and a long way to go. That is especially true for him in the weight room. Everyone seems to acknowledge openly that the Bamba is likely not going to be able to make much of an impact until he adds more muscle to his frame.

That likely makes his rookie year something of a feeling out process for him and for the Magic. A chance to get his feet wet in the NBA as he continues to grow and develop.

Coach Steve Clifford has often said that he is going to develop him the right way. The idea seems to be they will not throw too much at him and try to put him in positions to succeed.

Even after the first practice, Clifford was pleading with fans to be patient. There are only a handful of players at his age who made a major impact immediately, he said. It is unfair to ask Bamba to enter the league a readymade star.

Indeed, only seven 19- or 20-year-old rookies averaged 20 or more points per game. And it is a who’s who list of players. And there are fewer still who have made an immediate impact for their teams.

Bamba still has a lot of work to do.

"“I’m not too pleased with anything,” Bamba said. “There’s definitely room for improvement even in great plays.“That’s part of the evolution of basketball. That’s part of the evolution of being a good player is reflecting on how you’re playing. I have been able to watch some NBA film of yourself in Summer League. That doesn’t quite do it. Now I have the raw practice film to try to get better.”"

Getting better will be an ongoing process for Bamba. His rookie season is just the beginning of a long journey of growth and development for him. Tuesday was just the first step in that long process.

And everyone seemed complimentary, giving a much stronger assessment of Bamba than Bamba gave of himself.

Clifford said he thought Bamba did a good job in his first practice. He added Bamba probably got a bit fatigued toward the end of practice. But he was complimentary of Bamba’s first impression in practice, praising his willingness to learn and grow.

That is something else that older players on the team have tried to impart on him too.

Orlando Magic

Mohamed Bamba has specifically credited Nikola Vucevic for giving him tips and helping him at the beginning of his career.

Nikola Vucevic has said it is a responsibility he wants to take on to try to pay forward his knowledge and leadership. Vucevic credited Tony Battie for helping him out a lot in his rookie year with the Philadelphia 76ers. He hopes to have the same kind of influence on Bamba wherever he can.

"“When I see little things that I can help him, I try to help him out,” Vucevic said. “I have had a lot of veterans help me. That’s the best way I think as a player to improve. When coaches talk to you, it’s always great. When players, especially older players, who have been in the league a long time it has meaning to you as a young player. When I see little things that I know can help him, I try to tell him.”"

No one is expecting Bamba to step in and change the team completely. Not yet, at least.

But it is easy for everyone to see the immense talent that he has. The question is just how long it will take for it all to come together. It may be a long process as he continues to build up his body and his stamina to face the rigors of the NBA.

His willingness to learn and grow with each experience will help him a lot in that regard. He already has the physical tools to be great. That helped get him drafted so high and has Magic fans salivating.

For whatever Bamba needs, his teammates are confident he can handle it.

"“I said it a bunch of times yesterday, Mo is going to be fine,” Jonathan Isaac said. “He is a smart kid and a hard worker. He has a bunch of bigs around him who will help him get better. The coaching staff will help him get better. He is going to have his ups and downs just like any other rookie but we’re here for him.”"

The nervousness, if there was any, for the first practice is now well behind him. Now it is just about growing and getting better.