JULY 9: Bamba’s deal is official, the Sixers announced on Twitter.
JULY 5: Mohamed Bamba is signing a one-year deal with the Sixers, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link). It will be for the veteran’s minimum, according to Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice (Twitter link).
The 76ers still plan on keeping restricted free agent Paul Reed, according to Wojnarowski, who notes that Bamba will be an insurance policy at backup center if Reed were to depart.
The sixth overall pick of the 2018 draft, Bamba spent his first four-plus seasons with the Magic, who sent him to the Lakers ahead of the trade deadline. He sprained his ankle shortly after being moved to L.A. and rarely played for the Lakers off the bench even before the injury. They wound up waiving his $10.3MM contract for 2023/24 before it became guaranteed.
In total, Bamba appeared in 49 games in 2022/23, averaging 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per contest. He posted a shooting line of .485/.387/.661.
Although he has flashed the ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim, he hasn’t done either very consistently. Despite being 7’0″ with an enormous 7’10” wingspan, Bamba is very much a jump shooter offensively, rarely finishing in the paint or getting to the free throw line. He also makes a lot of mistakes in attempting to block shots he shouldn’t defensively, leaving the weak side open behind him.
Bamba saw his role with the Magic decline last season after the team added Wendell Carter and Paolo Banchero. He was outplayed by Moritz Wagner for the backup center job (Wagner re-signed with the Magic on a two-year, $16MM deal), and that’s partly why they moved Bamba.
Still just 25, Bamba could have some untapped upside. He’s blessed with enviable physical tools and he’s a low-risk signing at the league minimum.
Even if Reed does return, it’s possible Bamba could outplay him and become the team’s backup center behind Joel Embiid, though based on playing style, I would favor Reed’s aggression for the job, especially with Nick Nurse as head coach.
Oh man, Morey earning that money
Not a bad move if Morey’s concerned that Reed might leave.
Even if Reed stays, Bomba brings the ability to spread the floor and shoot from distance.
I think they’re more worried about Embiid walking. Similar skill sets…
This is a fricken backup.
plus if we also resign Paul Reed what that will do is give us a player that we can put out there to collect six more fouls if need be
G0dd d4mmn… Akme should sign him
Bamba may just wash out of the league, too.
I hope not, but this league has a lot of players trying to get in and make a go. Not even someone with the physical gifts Bamba has is a lock to go ten years, say. There is so much all of us don’t know about why some players just can’t make it in the league.
Love it
Nice pickup. About time Sixers do something right.
Bamba sucks
lol
Nope
You’re saying he doesn’t suck, but was only able to get the vet minimum? Seems that literally the entire NBA disagrees with you
He’s in the top league in the world with the other 400+ nba players. If he sucked he wouldn’t be in the best league, he would be playing in some Eastern European league that use milk crates as hoops
There are a bunch of players who make the minimum and are consideres good players. Obviously with flaws, or already veterans, etc.
But Bamba? Naw, he sucks.
With all that size and wingspan, can’t post up. No footwork. No moves. Can’t finish. Doesn’t play defense. He seems to think playing a actual game is just about jacking 3’s. Plus, he is immature and doesn’t have the right work ethic.
In his career he’s put up 700 threes made 251. That’s in 5yrs, 275 gms, in 18 mins a gm. Thats ,360% . You have to be biggest non on here. He’s not a three pt shooter. But he shoots better than half the league. A shoots better than you shoot your mouth …….. haha haha hoho
Well, I really hope he has a chance to play on the Knicks then. I’m sure you’d love watching him in blue and orange.
Bumba will be a okay back up
Should resign Reed to play PF
I dont know if he’s the right kind of insurance for Embiid…
Both might be on the injured list at the same time…
Bamba Bamba para bailar la Bamba….. se necesita una poca de gracia Bamba Bamba
Well played. Bamba is also a peanut butter flavored snack in Israel.
Sixers match reed? Lol no way they match the jazz. Believe it when it happens because that’ll be one ☝️ massive cost to sixers. Reed already being over paid. Add the tax and it just becomes a nasty deal for sixers.