Orlando Magic Daily
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2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Mohamed Bamba

By Philip Rossman-Reich

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 7: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic rebounds against the Sacramento Kings on January 7, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 7: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic rebounds against the Sacramento Kings on January 7, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mohamed Bamba, Orlando Magic, Kelly Olynyk, Miami Heat
ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 17: Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic plays defense against Kelly Olynyk #9 of the Miami Heat during the game at Amway Center on October 17, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Best Game of 2019

Oct. 17 vs. Heat: 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, 6/8 FGs

It is both a good thing and a bad thing that Mohamed Bamba’s best game of the season might have been his debut. Fans were already about to jump on board Bamba’s hype train from the very start. Especially since Nikola Vucevic actually had one of his worst games in the season debut.

Before anyone knew what hit them, Bamba showed everything he could do on the floor.

He was quick and decisive with his moves, attacking off the dribble and finishing around the basket. Everything happened so easily for him. Even his jumper was smooth and good. There was probably not a moment of more confidence and freedom for Bamba in any game.

Even defensively, Bamba was flying around defensively, changing shots and scoring some massive blocks. He was a big energy boost in the game, helping the Orlando Magic stake a lead with a +13 in the game.

Bamba was a big part of the Magic’s fourth-quarter run to take control of the game too. Fans were begging Clifford to keep him in the game when Vucevic checked back in late. It probably did not help the Magic nearly blew the game when Vucevic returned. Everyone wanted more Bamba.

Clifford was right to remove Bamba at that time. He went with the rookie probably a few minutes longer than he should have. He was clearly dragging as he came to the end of his 24:58 of play in that game, the second most he would play in any game this season.

But in that moment, it felt like the future had arrived. Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon both had strong games that night too. And Mohamed Bamba turned the Magic into something else. If there was any game this season that showed who the Magic might be in two or three years, the opener was it.

It was a rollicking good time for fans to enjoy the opening of the season and get a glimpse of their future. Bamba was probably never better than he was this night as the league began to adjust to him.