Round 2 was posted last week on Mo Bamba (I checked and didn't see it linked anywhere else yet)
I will say I was a bit disappointed to see this as the 2nd one as I'm so bored with the Mo Bamba topic - it has been beat to death on here and elsewhere. As you can imagine most of the positive comments were his length and 3 point potential, and the negatives were his motor and health. I chose to highlight some stuff below that wasn't the same crap we always discuss.
I am looking forward to more of these on less discussed players like Hampton, Chuma, and WCJ to see what scouts around the league think about that talent. Would help us to know if we have any desirable trade pieces.
What scouts are saying about Magic center Mo Bamba’s future
But here's some stuff on Bamba:
“He can contest shots,” Scout A said. “I think he changes more shots than he blocks. Defensively, I would say he’s a 6.5 or 7 (out of 10). If he had a better motor, he could be a 9 defensively.”
“I think he’s got some skills that can help, and that translates to what the NBA is becoming,” Scout B said. “He can step out on the perimeter, and he can make some 3s.”
Bamba’s supporters argue that he did not have a clear path to playing time over the last 12 months, if not longer. All-Star Nikola Vucevic was entrenched as the Magic’s starting center until he was traded last March, and Khem Birch seemed to be former coach Steve Clifford’s preferred choice as the primary backup to Vucevic. “I think Mo’s got talent,” Scout B said. “I just think the last regime was just not a fan of his. They weren’t enamored with him, and I think his confidence took a hit.” Bamba’s skeptics typically counter that if Bamba was as talented and as energetic as his draft slot indicated, he should have had no problems earning minutes over Birch and even should have been able to eat into Vucevic’s playing time.
Even Bamba’s shot-blocking numbers are regarded skeptically by three of the four scouts surveyed for this piece. “He blocks shots because of his length, but I don’t think he sees the game quick enough,” Scout C said. “His instincts on the defensive end are not very good. He’s always going to be playing from behind. His length will allow him to at least block shots and look good. But to consistently rely on him when his feel is not great? That’s tough.”
Scout A said. “I think he has potential, and he’s skilled (offensively). But I also think he’s just a perimeter big with no inside presence at all.” The scout added: “It seems to me like he’s a great kid, but it seems like he has no level of energy.”
“I’m not sure if I really believe in the talent, despite the size and the shooting,” Scout C said. “He’ll probably have to find more success with the next team — if he even can find real success. The motor is always going to be a question.” Scout D concurred, saying that barring a breakout season for Bamba in the year ahead, the Magic likely will be best-served to let another team invest a roster spot and developmental resources in Bamba beginning with the 2022-23 season.
At least he competes.