Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic: 3 players primed for a breakout season

By Jacob Warfle

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 24: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2021 in New York City. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 24: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2021 in New York City. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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Mohamed Bamba, Orlando Magic
Mohamed Bamba has gotten plenty of playing time and has shown a whole lot more than the Orlando Magic expected. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

Orlando Magic breakout players

Mo Bamba

Could it finally be happening? Is Mo Bamba turning into the player we have always hoped he would be?

It sure looks like it. Through the first five games of this season, Mo Bamba is averaging 13.6 points per game, 8.4 rebounds per game and more than 1 steal and 1 block per game.

He is shooting 53-percent from the field and 40-percent from three with almost two made three-pointers per game.

These impressive numbers are a direct correlation to his increased opportunity. Bamba has started every game this season and is third on the team in minutes played with 31.0 per game, more than double his average in any of his first three seasons. He had not even played 27 or more minutes in a single game more than four times entering this season.

This has led to impactful play all over the floor. Bamba has truly been a force on both ends, blocking shots and knocking down jumpers. Possibly his best performance of his NBA career came on opening night, erasing 4 shots and scoring 18 points.

So what does all of this mean?

This is not the time to overreact. But these are signs of massive improvement. Bamba has never strung together this many solid games consistently. At only 23 years old, it might just finally be starting to click.

With a little more patience, and even more consistent opportunity, the Orlando Magic could have the breakout big man they always expected.