Watching Mo Bamba this season has been a genuine pleasure for someone like me who’s spent years analyzing player development in the NBA. I’ve always been drawn to big men who stretch the floor, but Bamba is showing he’s more than just a shooter. His defensive presence is becoming a real talking point. Just the other day, I was looking at some overseas basketball news and saw that RJ Jazul and RR Garcia re-signed with Phoenix in the PBA. It struck me how crucial veteran guard play is to team chemistry—something I think Bamba is beginning to understand on a deeper level in Orlando. That stability in the backcourt allows big men to thrive, and I see parallels in how the Magic are utilizing Bamba’s unique skill set.
Offensively, he’s averaging close to 11 points per game, but it’s his efficiency that stands out. He’s shooting around 39% from beyond the arc on roughly four attempts per game. For a seven-footer, that’s not just good—it’s a game-changer. I remember watching him at Texas and thinking his shot was promising, but now it’s a legitimate weapon. Defensively, he’s averaging nearly two blocks per game, and his defensive rating has improved to about 105, which is solid for a starting center. He’s using that 7'10" wingspan to disrupt offenses in ways we haven’t seen since players like Rudy Gobert emerged. Personally, I think his timing on weak-side blocks has gotten significantly better, and he’s not just hunting for highlights anymore—he’s making smart, impactful rotations.
What really excites me, though, is his growing confidence. I’ve noticed he’s more vocal on the court, directing traffic and calling out switches. That’s the kind of growth you can’t always measure with stats. In my view, the Magic have done a decent job building around him, but they need a steady backcourt—much like how Phoenix in the PBA secured Jazul and Garcia to guide their offense. If Orlando can find that kind of backcourt stability, Bamba’s development could accelerate even further. I’m bullish on his potential to be a top-five center in the East within the next two seasons, provided he stays healthy and continues to refine his post moves.
Looking ahead, I believe Bamba’s impact will only grow as he gains more experience. He’s already shown he can be a cornerstone for this Magic team, and his ability to space the floor while protecting the rim is a rare combination. From my perspective, the league is shifting toward players like him—versatile bigs who can do a bit of everything. It’s why I enjoy watching his journey so much; he’s not just following trends, he’s helping set them. If he keeps this up, we might be talking about him as an All-Star candidate sooner than many expect.
