Mohamed Bamba

[GameBredAPBT]

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.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

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."

I actually think Lonnie Walker has the highest upside in this draft. So no, it isn't as top heavy as people are making it out to be.

[GameBredAPBT]

Bamba & Walker have the most upside in this draft imo

[The Master]

actually i think it is easier to develop offensively

That depends on what kind of development you're talking about.

In this case, you have player with all neccessary physical tools to become good defender (Ayton), and on the other hand - player who didn't show any sign to this moment that he can be better than elite finisher and solid free throw shooter.

So if you ask about my opinion, Ayton has solid chances to develop into Aldridge kind of defender (not elite rim protector but not bad one, good individual defender), while I wouldn't say Bamba has good chances to develop good jumpshot. That's why I wrote that it will be easier for Ayton than for Bamba to overcome his weaknesses.

@Alatan, I won't talk about Baigley because I don't rate him as high as Ayton. DAA shows solid development recently and his movement, potential as pnr defender, strength and speed can translate nicely on NBA level. He's definitely not Jahlil-like bad defender, in fact his defense issues are overblown, it's hard for me to imagine he will be bad pnr defender or individual defender as NBA player.

[doordoor123]

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


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

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."

I actually think Lonnie Walker has the highest upside in this draft. So no, it isn't as top heavy as people are making it out to be.

He definitely has upside, but he doesn’t really play in rhythm with the game. Reminds me a lot of LaVine in that sense, but Walker is a better defender than LaVine and a better finisher. He also doesn’t have the handle LaVine does. But he’s also a better shooter than LaVine. I’m iffy about his whole package. Last year Donovan Mitchell had so much more that went unnoticed for a lot of the year, he isn’t showing off that kind of advanced skill. To me his interviews will matter a lot to determine if I think he has the right kind of attitude and thinks the game better than hes shown.

[doordoor123]

actually i think it is easier to develop offensively

That depends on what kind of development you're talking about.

In this case, you have player with all neccessary physical tools to become good defender (Ayton), and on the other hand - player who didn't show any sign to this moment that he can be better than elite finisher and solid free throw shooter.

So if you ask about my opinion, Ayton has solid chances to develop into Aldridge kind of defender (not elite rim protector but not bad one, good individual defender), while I wouldn't say Bamba has good chances to develop good jumpshot. That's why I wrote that it will be easier for Ayton than for Bamba to overcome his weaknesses.

@Alatan, I won't talk about Baigley because I don't rate him as high as Ayton. DAA shows solid development recently and his movement, potential as pnr defender, strength and speed can translate nicely on NBA level. He's definitely not Jahlil-like bad defender, in fact his defense issues are overblown, it's hard for me to imagine he will be bad pnr defender or individual defender as NBA player.

It’s not easier to develop offensively. Guys with handles develop that their entire lives. If a player doesn’t have a handle they can’t just pick it up. Same with jumpers, it’s not just easy to change from something you’ve done your entire life to something new. And feel/vision is almost impossible to learn, but some guys learn it in their prime just from experience in the league.

Defense is has to do with physical size and physical ability, but also just making the right decisions and wanting to defend. Players that hustle and push themselves tend to defend well.

[No-Man]

Not gonna say that Bamba is trash but he is such a major project, I am much more comfortable slotting him at the same range that I'd have guys like Robinson than having him top10

Certainly lower than tier 3 for me, and outside of the top15

[anthony00]

Not gonna say that Bamba is trash but he is such a major project, I am much more comfortable slotting him at the same range that I'd have guys like Robinson than having him top10

Certainly lower than tier 3 for me, and outside of the top15

?

[GameBredAPBT]

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."

I actually think Lonnie Walker has the highest upside in this draft. So no, it isn't as top heavy as people are making it out to be.

He definitely has upside, but he doesn’t really play in rhythm with the game. Reminds me a lot of LaVine in that sense, but Walker is a better defender than LaVine and a better finisher. He also doesn’t have the handle LaVine does. But he’s also a better shooter than LaVine. I’m iffy about his whole package. Last year Donovan Mitchell had so much more that went unnoticed for a lot of the year, he isn’t showing off that kind of advanced skill. To me his interviews will matter a lot to determine if I think he has the right kind of attitude and thinks the game better than hes shown.

For sure. And like I said, upside. Potential for serious growth. He's very raw.

Mitchell showed little intangibles throughout last year, but he most certainly did not have "so much more" that went unnoticed. I was very high on him & his last season at Louisville was very disappointing. Him looking like a franchise talent has been disarming to say the least.

[GameBredAPBT]

Not gonna say that Bamba is trash but he is such a major project, I am much more comfortable slotting him at the same range that I'd have guys like Robinson than having him top10

Certainly lower than tier 3 for me, and outside of the top15

Couldn't disagree more. He is going to shine in the NBA & will be the Giannis of this draft along with Lonnie Walker. Sky is the limit for those two, they're going to break out on the big stage eventually. Teams are going to regret passing them up, mark my words.

[thr3ep01nte4]

Just out of curiosity, what do people say about Russell Westbrook before the draft? Heard he was not a "great" offensive player back then at UCLA.

[Themaster007_v2]

Just out of curiosity, what do people say about Russell Westbrook before the draft? Heard he was not a "great" offensive player back then at UCLA.

When Russell was playing for UCLA, he wasn't the main option as the team (Freshman and Sophomore Years) were stacked. During his Freshman year, the offense was ran through Arron Afflalo (Josh Shipp/Darren Collison were second and third options; Also had Luc Richard who did the dirty work) whereas his Sophomore year the offense was ran through Kevin Love (Collison and Shipp were second and third options). Russell was utilized as more of a lock down defender. A lot of his offense was from has ability to slash/drive in or put back baskets. He pretty much did all the dirty work for both UCLA teams. So offensively, he didn't really get to showcase much (although his Sophomore year, he started at SG and received more touches).

He really helped his draft status during the NBA Draft Combine. He blew away teams with his workout. Keep in mind, he was coming into the draft with the billing of "freakish athletic, great defender (lock down), and amazing speed." I believe at the time of the draft, the Clippers really wanted to draft him at 7 and thought they could get him there. I think a lot of people were surprised that he was taken so high at #4.

During his rookie season, The Thunder was a really young team that ran the offense through KD with Russ being the third/second option (Give or Take Jeff Green). During this phase in his career, he was able to showcase more of his offense (shooting); however, he had such an inconsistent shot and bad/poor decision making (his TO ratio was crazy high) to the point that people were skeptic that he'd be able to run an offense.

From the time he was at UCLA to current, he has improved significantly (shooting/offensively). I'm actually quite taken aback by this because I wouldn't have guessed he would become this type of player if you were to base it off of his college year/rookie year. His ability to get to this level serves as a testament to the kind of person he is.

[thr3ep01nte4]

When Russell was playing for UCLA, he wasn't the main option as the team (Freshman and Sophomore Years) were stacked. During his Freshman year, the offense was ran through Arron Afflalo (Josh Shipp/Darren Collison were second and third options; Also had Luc Richard who did the dirty work) whereas his Sophomore year the offense was ran through Kevin Love (Collison and Shipp were second and third options). Russell was utilized as more of a lock down defender. A lot of his offense was from has ability to slash/drive in or put back baskets. He pretty much did all the dirty work for both UCLA teams. So offensively, he didn't really get to showcase much (although his Sophomore year, he started at SG and received more touches).

He really helped his draft status during the NBA Draft Combine. He blew away teams with his workout. Keep in mind, he was coming into the draft with the billing of "freakish athletic, great defender (lock down), and amazing speed." I believe at the time of the draft, the Clippers really wanted to draft him at 7 and thought they could get him there. I think a lot of people were surprised that he was taken so high at #4.

During his rookie season, The Thunder was a really young team that ran the offense through KD with Russ being the third/second option (Give or Take Jeff Green). During this phase in his career, he was able to showcase more of his offense (shooting); however, he had such an inconsistent shot and bad/poor decision making (his TO ratio was crazy high) to the point that people were skeptic that he'd be able to run an offense.

From the time he was at UCLA to current, he has improved significantly (shooting/offensively). I'm actually quite taken aback by this because I wouldn't have guessed he would become this type of player if you were to base it off of his college year/rookie year. His ability to get to this level serves as a testament to the kind of person he is.

Great stuff. Thanks.

[PLO]

Not gonna say that Bamba is trash but he is such a major project, I am much more comfortable slotting him at the same range that I'd have guys like Robinson than having him top10

Certainly lower than tier 3 for me, and outside of the top15

I pretty much agree with this. I watched a decent chunk of today's game and he was pretty invisible - he was pushed off his spot several times way too easily by guys way smaller and lighter than him. He's going to find the NBA a very real struggle. Probably the first good look at him I had this year was the game against Duke and I remember this play where Wendell Carter just finished through him like Bamba wasn't there, and Bamba had something like four blocks that game in situations he will never have in the NBA, ie parking himself under the rim for 5 seconds and coming out for obvious blocking situations.

He'll be a major reach anywhere near where Givony has him in his latest mock, at three overall. Here's hoping someone makes that reach though so the 76ers have an opportunity to land a good one with the Lakers pick, if it transfers.

[PLO]

Not gonna say that Bamba is trash but he is such a major project, I am much more comfortable slotting him at the same range that I'd have guys like Robinson than having him top10

Certainly lower than tier 3 for me, and outside of the top15

Couldn't disagree more. He is going to shine in the NBA & will be the Giannis of this draft along with Lonnie Walker. Sky is the limit for those two, they're going to break out on the big stage eventually. Teams are going to regret passing them up, mark my words.

Just out of interest, why do you think Giannis and Bamba are comparable? Do you think that's the type of player Bamba may eventually turn into? What's the connection because honestly I find that absurd, and for this forum that is saying something.

[GameBredAPBT]

Not gonna say that Bamba is trash but he is such a major project, I am much more comfortable slotting him at the same range that I'd have guys like Robinson than having him top10

Certainly lower than tier 3 for me, and outside of the top15

Couldn't disagree more. He is going to shine in the NBA & will be the Giannis of this draft along with Lonnie Walker. Sky is the limit for those two, they're going to break out on the big stage eventually. Teams are going to regret passing them up, mark my words.

Just out of interest, why do you think Giannis and Bamba are comparable? Do you think that's the type of player Bamba may eventually turn into?

They're obviously very different players. We haven't seen anyone quite like Giannis & we haven't seen anyone quite like what Bamba could become.

I think he'll be that player that everyone questions because of the extreme rawness. But I see a hard working, cerebral kid who will figure it out sooner rather than later. Giannis was similar in this regard.

[PLO]

Couldn't disagree more. He is going to shine in the NBA & will be the Giannis of this draft along with Lonnie Walker. Sky is the limit for those two, they're going to break out on the big stage eventually. Teams are going to regret passing them up, mark my words.

Just out of interest, why do you think Giannis and Bamba are comparable? Do you think that's the type of player Bamba may eventually turn into?

They're obviously very different players. We haven't seen anyone quite like Giannis & we haven't seen anyone quite like what Bamba could become.

I think he'll be that player that everyone questions because of the extreme rawness. But I see a hard working, cerebral kid who will figure it out sooner rather than later. Giannis was similar in this regard.

OK, that's fair enough.

[The-Power]

Last night we've seen Bamba defending in space more, as he'll have to in the NBA, and he was barely a factor on defense (actually he had a few really poor defensive possessions). The team gave up a lot of dunks as well and not only in transition. Bamba's ability to defend in space will ultimately determine his ceiling (and floor) to a considerable degree and yesterday wasn't very convincing in this regard.

On offense, however, he comes around a bit as of late. Gets stripped less, shoots his free throws with higher accuracy and, most importantly, he looks more calm. Still, he's strictly a finisher with some rudimentary post moves at this point. He has shown close to nothing in terms of on-ball skills and he lacks the strength and hands to really do damage under the rim or in the low post.

I tend to agree with Fischella in that Bamba is really a major project with a huge risk attached. DIsagree on where to rank him as his ceiling still justifies a mid-lottery pick in my eyes. But I have him comfortably out of my top 6 at this point and I could even see a couple more guys surpassing him down the road.

[thr3ep01nte4]

It all depends on whether he can go to a well-run organization or not. If he’s able to get picked up by the Mavs or the Hawks, he probably can reach his ceiling. If he lands in Sacramento, Memphis, Orlando, or Chicago, he’s less likely to be successful. Givony recently said in a podcast with Leroux that he usually changes the big board after the draft knowing where these prospects went, since some organizations are terrible at developing young players.

[GimmeDat]

It all depends on whether he can go to a well-run organization or not. If he’s able to get picked up by the Mavs or the Hawks, he probably can reach his ceiling. If he lands in Sacramento, Memphis, Orlando, or Chicago, he’s less likely to be successful. Givony recently said in a podcast with Leroux that he usually changes the big board after the draft knowing where these prospects went, since some organizations are terrible at developing young players.

What's wrong with Memphis or Chicago?

[thr3ep01nte4]

It all depends on whether he can go to a well-run organization or not. If he’s able to get picked up by the Mavs or the Hawks, he probably can reach his ceiling. If he lands in Sacramento, Memphis, Orlando, or Chicago, he’s less likely to be successful. Givony recently said in a podcast with Leroux that he usually changes the big board after the draft knowing where these prospects went, since some organizations are terrible at developing young players.

What's wrong with Memphis or Chicago?

My bad, only Memphis.