Brooklyn Nets: 3 New Yorkers who could end up back home in Brooklyn
By Mike Luciano
2. Mo Bamba
Mo Bamba could really break out back in his hometown.
We’re a few years into the career of a player who was drafted right alongside superstars like Luka Doncic and Trae Young, and Mo Bamba’s name appears to be more synonymous with the rap song by Sheck Wes. Bamba’s nearly eight-foot wingspan makes him a prototypical rim-protector, but he hasn’t been able to put it all together in the NBA.
Bamba can’t get off the bench in Orlando, as Khem Birch appears to have overtaken him as Steve Clifford’s preferred backup big man behind Nikola Vucevic. As a result, Bamba is averaging 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, numbers that are only slightly below his career averages. It’s painfully obvious that a change of scenery is needed.
Bamba was born in Harlem, and going back to New York City could revitalize his career. While Jordan can provide physicality and strength on both sides of the floor, Bamba is a much more athletic option with a higher defensive ceiling. Former Texas Longhorn Jarrett Allen might be gone, but the Nets could get a younger, larger replacement in Bamba, also a UT alum.
The 22-year-old has never seen consistent playing time or been assigned a defined role with the Magic. If he becomes a Net and focuses on swatting away shots while finishing lobs, Bamba could start to justify being selected as high as he was.