Mohamed Bamba

[doordoor123]

Bomba's last 3 games: 19 of 23 from the field, 19 of 21 from the line, 37 rebounds, 14 blocks, 2 turnovers. I can't see him going later than 7th in the draft.

In the actual draft I agree, but long term I’m not sure. Where does he fit in the NBA? He gets fatigued, doesn’t have great timing, doesn’t finish well in traffic (no soft touch) and he doesn’t have a diverse game. I think he can be an effective player in the NBA, but worth a top 7 pick? That I’m not sure about. He certainly has the physical profile for it, but so did Hasheem Thabeet (not saying he will bust or anything like that though).

Thabeet was enormous, but he looked like a dinosaur running in mud in the NBA - not a good comp to Bamba, imo. I could see comparing Bamba to a bigger and stronger version of Noel - though he's got a better shooting touch than Nerlens.

I’m not saying Bamba is going to be bad, I just see more value from someone with an advanced offensive game, who can also play defense (like Bridges and Sexton). And I see Carter having the same kind of effect as Tatum has had this season.

[sikma42]

Look at his length as a defender and then factor in he has the mobility to guard out on the perimeter. Defensive versatility is one of the most important things today and he provides that together with elite shot blocking. Add in his jumpshot and the ability to finish well above the rim and that is a top 5 pick and an all star for many years


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In terms of value, yes it’s very valuable. Want to know what else is really valuable? The ability to make your teammates better, ability to get to the line, ability to finish with contact, the ability to force a basket when you need one and a perennial all-star.

Good luck with that in this draft. These aren’t Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid level talents people here are putting ahead of him.


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[Ruzious]

Look at his length as a defender and then factor in he has the mobility to guard out on the perimeter. Defensive versatility is one of the most important things today and he provides that together with elite shot blocking. Add in his jumpshot and the ability to finish well above the rim and that is a top 5 pick and an all star for many years


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In terms of value, yes it’s very valuable. Want to know what else is really valuable? The ability to make your teammates better, ability to get to the line, ability to finish with contact, the ability to force a basket when you need one and a perennial all-star.

Good luck with that in this draft. These aren’t Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid level talents people here are putting ahead of him.


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This might be one of those rare drafts where having the 4th, 5th, 6th or even 7th pick might be just as good as having #1 - though certainly #1 has the most trade value. Watch each team picking in the top 7 say "We had our pick rated the top pick in the draft."

[doordoor123]

Look at his length as a defender and then factor in he has the mobility to guard out on the perimeter. Defensive versatility is one of the most important things today and he provides that together with elite shot blocking. Add in his jumpshot and the ability to finish well above the rim and that is a top 5 pick and an all star for many years


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In terms of value, yes it’s very valuable. Want to know what else is really valuable? The ability to make your teammates better, ability to get to the line, ability to finish with contact, the ability to force a basket when you need one and a perennial all-star.

Good luck with that in this draft. These aren’t Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid level talents people here are putting ahead of him.


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Did you think Donovan Mitchell would be the best player in this past draft? Did you think Kyle Kuzma would be one of the best rookies of the class? Did you think Jahlil Okafor was worth a top three pick? Julius Randle? Marcus Smart? What about Mario Hezonja? What I’m saying is that players don’t always translate the way you imagine them. There is more evidence for me that Sexton and Bridges can translate offensively than Jackson and Bamba. And both of those guys can be good defenders. Would I rather have a defensive force or a defensive AND offensive force? I choose the latter.

[sikma42]

In terms of value, yes it’s very valuable. Want to know what else is really valuable? The ability to make your teammates better, ability to get to the line, ability to finish with contact, the ability to force a basket when you need one and a perennial all-star.

Good luck with that in this draft. These aren’t Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid level talents people here are putting ahead of him.


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Did you think Donovan Mitchell would be the best player in this past draft? Did you think Kyle Kuzma would be one of the best rookies of the class? Did you think Jahlil Okafor was worth a top three pick? Julius Randle? Marcus Smart? What about Mario Hezonja? What I’m saying is that players don’t always translate the way you imagine them. There is more evidence for me that Sexton and Bridges can translate offensively than Jackson and Bamba.

No reason to answer the questions bc it’s just gonna lead down a bunch of rabbit holes. I don’t think the answers would be what you want to hear to be honest.

The question isn’t who will translate better offensively...the question is who would be the better pick for a particular team or for the majority of teams or just in general. NBA game is more than just offense (not saying he wouldnt contribute there) and qualifying your statement just makes it meaningless imo


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[thr3ep01nte4]

I’m not saying Bamba is going to be bad, I just see more value from someone with an advanced offensive game, who can also play defense (like Bridges and Sexton). And I see Carter having the same kind of effect as Tatum has had this season.

Offensive game is indeed more valuable. But if you can get a Rudy Gobert type talent with a top 4-6 pick, what’s wrong with that?

For JJJ, the best comp is Myles Turner. In hindsight, Turner is the 4th best player coming out of that draft behind Towns, KP, and DBook. Offensive-leaning guys like DLo and Okafor didn’t turn out to be better than Turner. So it’s understandable that some people value JJJ that much.

[sikma42]

I’m not saying Bamba is going to be bad, I just see more value from someone with an advanced offensive game, who can also play defense (like Bridges and Sexton). And I see Carter having the same kind of effect as Tatum has had this season.

Offensive game is indeed more valuable. But if you can get a Rudy Gobert type talent with a top 4-6 pick, what’s wrong with that?

For JJJ, the best comp is Myles Turner. In hindsight, Turner is the 4th best player coming out of that draft behind Towns, KP, and DBook. Offensive-leaning guys like DLo and Okafor didn’t turn out to be better than Turner. So it’s understandable that some people value JJJ that much.

Exactly, a Rudy Gobert type talent who could end up better due to a better looking stroke and better athleticism allowing him to guard the perimeter. If you can get that as the #5 pick, that’s a good move


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[doordoor123]

I’m not saying Bamba is going to be bad, I just see more value from someone with an advanced offensive game, who can also play defense (like Bridges and Sexton). And I see Carter having the same kind of effect as Tatum has had this season.

Offensive game is indeed more valuable. But if you can get a Rudy Gobert type talent with a top 4-6 pick, what’s wrong with that?

For JJJ, the best comp is Myles Turner. In hindsight, Turner is the 4th best player coming out of that draft behind Towns, KP, and DBook. Offensive-leaning guys like DLo and Okafor didn’t turn out to be better than Turner. So it’s understandable that some people value JJJ that much.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with getting a Gobert in that range, but I think it’s a safe pick that could take time to develop.

[thr3ep01nte4]

I’m not saying Bamba is going to be bad, I just see more value from someone with an advanced offensive game, who can also play defense (like Bridges and Sexton). And I see Carter having the same kind of effect as Tatum has had this season.

Offensive game is indeed more valuable. But if you can get a Rudy Gobert type talent with a top 4-6 pick, what’s wrong with that?

For JJJ, the best comp is Myles Turner. In hindsight, Turner is the 4th best player coming out of that draft behind Towns, KP, and DBook. Offensive-leaning guys like DLo and Okafor didn’t turn out to be better than Turner. So it’s understandable that some people value JJJ that much.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with getting a Gobert in that range, but I think it’s a safe pick that could take time to develop.

Agreed. I think majority of young players need time to develop, even guys like Kobe and Steph.

[doordoor123]

Good luck with that in this draft. These aren’t Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid level talents people here are putting ahead of him.


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Did you think Donovan Mitchell would be the best player in this past draft? Did you think Kyle Kuzma would be one of the best rookies of the class? Did you think Jahlil Okafor was worth a top three pick? Julius Randle? Marcus Smart? What about Mario Hezonja? What I’m saying is that players don’t always translate the way you imagine them. There is more evidence for me that Sexton and Bridges can translate offensively than Jackson and Bamba.

No reason to answer the questions bc it’s just gonna lead down a bunch of rabbit holes. I don’t think the answers would be what you want to hear to be honest.

The question isn’t who will translate better offensively...the question is who would be the better pick for a particular team or for the majority of teams or just in general. NBA game is more than just offense (not saying he wouldnt contribute there) and qualifying your statement just makes it meaningless imo


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I’m not saying each team doesn’t have their preference and I’m not saying those players aren’t valuable. I’m saying their ability to translate will take time and usually players with more potential than skill don’t reach their ceiling. Not everyone is Giannis Antetokounmpo. I also just value offensive skill + defense more than potential skill + elite defense. Again, I’m not saying they aren’t deserving of being a top pick, I just think the players I put ahead of them are also deserving and can make just as big of an impact if not more on a winning team.

[eminence]

I mean, if you feel 90% sure you can get a Rudy Gobert you take that guy #1.

[Alatan]

Why are people assuming that Bamba will not develop an offensive game yet everyone assumes that Ayton and Bagley will develop defensive abilities? If we are judging them only by what they are now, id comfortably take Bamba over anyone in this draft except JJJ. If we are judging them on what they could become, then a 7 footer with a huge wingspan, great athletic ability, that has show signs of being able to put the ball on the floor doesnt look too bad when projecting his offense.

A poster above questioned Bambas ability to translate to the NBA. That was funny to me since athletic defensive centers are useful to any team and any scheme. On the other hand, we have terrible defenders on the most important defensive position, who base their offense around being more athletic than college players and primarily scoring around the rim in a perimeter oriented NBA. An unathletic wing without isolation abilities, a guard bothered by length and athleticism and an injured tweener with bad handles and tunnel vision. How do they translate to the NBA?

Stop disrespecting Bamba...

[thr3ep01nte4]

A poster above questioned Bambas ability to translate to the NBA. That was funny to me since athletic defensive centers are useful to any team and any scheme.

I guess people are still scared of Hasheem Thabeet. But I don’t think Thabeet is anywhere near as good as Bamba.

[doordoor123]

Why are people assuming that Bamba will not develop an offensive game yet everyone assumes that Ayton and Bagley will develop defensive abilities? If we are judging them only by what they are now, id comfortably take Bamba over anyone in this draft except JJJ. If we are judging them on what they could become, then a 7 footer with a huge wingspan, great athletic ability, that has show signs of being able to put the ball on the floor doesnt look too bad when projecting his offense.

A poster above questioned Bambas ability to translate to the NBA. That was funny to me since athletic defensive centers are useful to any team and any scheme. On the other hand, we have terrible defenders on the most important defensive position, who base their offense around being more athletic than college players and primarily scoring around the rim in a perimeter oriented NBA. An unathletic wing without isolation abilities, a guard bothered by length and athleticism and an injured tweener with bad handles and tunnel vision. How do they translate to the NBA?

Stop disrespecting Bamba...

Are you saying I’m disrespecting him? I think he’s a great player with great upside, but I can’t declare his offense just isn’t good enough for me to think he can become a perennial all-star type. Hassan Whiteside has 5 blocks a game one year and didn’t make all-star. He’s still not even a third option on offense. Also, the limitations with his fatigue is pretty big, especially in an NBA that runs a lot.

Ayton and Bagley are really skilled on offense and can get their own buckets. They’re both also better passers. And Bagley can handle the ball.

[doordoor123]

A poster above questioned Bambas ability to translate to the NBA. That was funny to me since athletic defensive centers are useful to any team and any scheme.

I guess people are still scared of Hasheem Thabeet. But I don’t think Thabeet is anywhere near as good as Bamba.

I was using him as an example for what I was talking about, not directly comparing the two.

[thr3ep01nte4]

I guess people are still scared of Hasheem Thabeet. But I don’t think Thabeet is anywhere near as good as Bamba.

I was using him as an example for what I was talking about, not directly comparing the two.

Sure, I understand your skepticism and a lot of people share it too. There are so many things he needs to get better at, but Bamba is showing flashes of brilliance here and there.

[doordoor123]

I guess people are still scared of Hasheem Thabeet. But I don’t think Thabeet is anywhere near as good as Bamba.

I was using him as an example for what I was talking about, not directly comparing the two.

Sure, I understand your skepticism and a lot of people share it too. There are so many things he needs to get better at, but Bamba is showing flashes of brilliance here and there.

I agree with that. And I’m still all about the flashes. Other players have having flashes too.

[The Master]

Why are people assuming that Bamba will not develop an offensive game yet everyone assumes that Ayton and Bagley will develop defensive abilities?

Because it's much easier to develop defensive abilities - but still definitely not easy - than develop shooting touch or post moves. If Ayton develops defensive skills to level of LaMarcus Aldridge or prime Pau Gasol (good but not great defensive players) what's possible, he will be allstar-impact player year by year. Ayton has strength, size and movement what can allow him to be good individual defender, okay rim protector and very solid pnr defender - when Bamba showed that he has shooting touch to develop nice offensive game? His passing is non existent, he can't stretch the floor and his post moves make no option to run an offense on low post through him in serious NBA team. He can be Rudy Gobert on offense, at least he shows right now potential on that level, but, first of all, Gobert even last year was negative on ORPM, and secondly, he's elite roller and finisher in modern league, so there's long way to go for Mo.

In fact, Bagley and Ayton are very underrated by many because of their defense, and it's very brave to have him below Bamba in mock.

[anthony00]

Why are people assuming that Bamba will not develop an offensive game yet everyone assumes that Ayton and Bagley will develop defensive abilities?

Because it's much easier to develop defensive abilities - but still definitely not easy - than develop shooting touch or post moves. If Ayton develops defensive skills to level of LaMarcus Aldridge or prime Pau Gasol (good but not great defensive players) what's possible, he will be allstar-impact player year by year. Ayton has strength, size and movement what can allow him to be good individual defender, okay rim protector and very solid pnr defender - when Bamba showed that he has shooting touch to develop nice offensive game? His passing is non existent, he can't stretch the floor and his post moves make no option to run an offense on low post through him in serious NBA team. He can be Rudy Gobert on offense, at least he shows right now potential on that level, but, first of all, Gobert even last year was negative on ORPM, and secondly, he's elite roller and finisher in modern league, so there's long way to go for Mo.

In fact, Bagley and Ayton are very underrated by many because of their defense, and it's very brave to have him below Bamba in mock.

actually i think it is easier to develop offensively

[Alatan]

Why are people assuming that Bamba will not develop an offensive game yet everyone assumes that Ayton and Bagley will develop defensive abilities?

Because it's much easier to develop defensive abilities - but still definitely not easy - than develop shooting touch or post moves. If Ayton develops defensive skills to level of LaMarcus Aldridge or prime Pau Gasol (good but not great defensive players) what's possible, he will be allstar-impact player year by year. Ayton has strength, size and movement what can allow him to be good individual defender, okay rim protector and very solid pnr defender - when Bamba showed that he has shooting touch to develop nice offensive game? His passing is non existent, he can't stretch the floor and his post moves make no option to run an offense on low post through him in serious NBA team. He can be Rudy Gobert on offense, at least he shows right now potential on that level, but, first of all, Gobert even last year was negative on ORPM, and secondly, he's elite roller and finisher in modern league, so there's long way to go for Mo.

In fact, Bagley and Ayton are very underrated by many because of their defense, and it's very brave to have him below Bamba in mock.

Neither Ayton nor Bagley have exceptional shooting touch. Their post moves are also far from good. Currently they both dominate due to their size and athletic ability.

Defense surely isnt easier to learn than offense. With enough practice many if not most can become okay spot up shooters, rim runners and rollers. Not everyone can get the timing, positioning and awareness for defense, specially not help D witch is maybe the most important part of D. If you think that defensive liabilities that play under the basket can become something in the NBA look up what happened to Okafor. I dont know of a bad defender that became a good defender in the NBA but i know a lot of bad offensive players that became juggernauts.