Post#674 » by Axolotl » Wed Mar 21, 2018 10:43 am
Ok, I now took some time to catch up on Mo Bamba. He is clearly a project - but a project with exceptional physique. His reach is just unreal. At 9' 6" standing reach he can can touch the rim without jumping, and with his 7' 9" wingspan he can control a large part of the 3pt line.
His rebounding is already on a good level, but would benefit from more aggressive approach. He just seems too nice sometimes, he'd need a bit of a killer instinct.
The unreal reach means that he can block shots without even jumping, which is good. That also means he is likely to be an outstanding defender. His length alone forces altered shots.
He needs a lot more mass and strength, right now he is bullied in the post by his peers. His body type looks to be such, that he is never going to be a power big.
I have no problems with his movement. He may not be an explosive athlete, but his other physical tools mean that he doesn't need to be. His step is quick enough, and his straight speed is good. Once he gains more strength, I have no doubt that he'll be more explosive too.
He has good defensive instincts, reads the game well, can make the switches needed, and is a very good pick and roll defender.
Reach also gives him an edge on offence, since he can shoot over pretty much anyone. The problem is, he is a not a good shooter, so that offensive weapon is near unusable.
On offence, his only really effective around the rim, and poor to bad anywhere else, so he is useless in pick and pop.
If you think he will develop an effective jumper, let alone 3pt shot, he is a great pick. He might develop those, since his shooting mechanics look healthy to me. His FT% is just over 60 though, which imo tells the story of his below par shooting.
What he is now is a catch and finish from right underneath the rim, which I don't think he'll be able to comfortably do in the NBA. His slender build means that he would be bullied right out of his comfort zone.
He is also effective in at least driving straight to the hoop, where his reach makes him virtually unstoppable. How do you stop someone who has the ball at the height of the top of the backboard, and crashes it down from there?
He would be an excellent roll man in pick and roll, but he is not really doing that. So there's another if right there: if he develops his roll game, it'd take his offensive game up a notch.
He has good bbiq, which can be seen in fast breaks and transitions, and his passing is at least adequate. As a ball handler, he is nothing special, but has the abilities required.
He looks like someone who might flourish in a pace and space offence - if he would develop that roll game or a more reliable jumper.
What worries me some is whether he has the effort and the desire to win, because at times he looks lackadaisical on the floor.
All in all, a likely defensive anchor with lots of ifs on offence.
From the basketball's perspective, travel is a nice pause from being pounded to the floor.