2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Mohamed Bamba will require patience

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Mohamed Bamba, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons

ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 7: Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons on November 7, 2018 at Amway Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2020 Outlook

Mohamed Bamba’s season came crashing down when the team discovered a fracture in his left tibia and the team had to shut him down. There were some hopes he could return. But with the Orlando Magic rolling as they did to the playoffs, there was no rush to bring him back.

Orlando’s plan with Bamba then was to have him watch and observe as he did his rehab. Coach Steve Clifford and his staff created a plan for Bamba to engage with film, “study the league” and provide notes on his thoughts on the opponents he would one day face and how the team was doing.

Clifford was nothing but complimentary of how Bamba attacked this plan and stayed engaged with the team even when he was injured. He said Bamba provided good insight and was learning and understanding what the coaching staff wanted by watching the film.

Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

Of course, you have to take film study and turn it into action. Bamba has to step onto the floor and make a difference.

The first step is to get healthy. He already seems well on his way to that. The Magic should expect him to play in Summer League. Of course, they will have to make some pretty big decisions about the franchise before then.

Mohamed Bamba’s development should have little to do with the decision to re-sign Nikola Vucevic. But it also has everything to do with it. The Magic should not look to commit long-term to Vucevic if they believe Bamba is the one-day starter for the team. Whether that is next year or further down the line.

Re-signing Vucevic to a four-year deal when he is actually a stop-gap option is not going to help anybody. But, at the same time, Bamba is probably not going to be ready to start next season either. He still has a lot of development to go — especially with his body.

Next year will not be a second rookie year as it was for Jonathan Isaac this year or, to some extent, Markelle Fultz whenever he steps back on the court. Bamba got his feet wet in a real way and took his lumps.

Next year, he has to put more of it together. He has to become a more consistent shooter and scorer. And, most importantly, he has to become more disciplined and reliable defensively. That is the real way for him to take the next step and make a bigger impact.