Former Lottery Pick Mo Bamba Officially Back In the NBA After Landing New Contract

Back in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic selected intriguing big man Mo Bamba with the No. 6 overall draft pick, and since that point, he's gone through plenty of ups and downs. Bamba's best season came in 2021–22 when he averaged 11 points and eight rebounds, but since then, he's bounced around the league, struggling to capitalize on his immense potential. 

After leaving Orlando, Bamba has played for the Lakers, 76ers, Clippers, and Pelicans, most recently appearing for the Utah Jazz in the preseason. However, he wasn't able to find a full-time NBA contract this season—until now, that is, as it has been announced that Bamba has officially signed a new deal with the Toronto Raptors.

This comes on the back of an injury to talented big man Jakob Poeltl, and with the team needing some depth to continue their impressive 19–14 start to the new campaign, he is the perfect addition on a cheap deal. Unfortunately for Toronto, Bamba hasn't averaged more than 6 points a game since that career year, and while he has potential as a rim protector and a stretch five, he's likely not going to play a starring role for Toronto.

Only time will tell if Bamba can finally capitalize on his physical abilities and his potential, but after 364 games at the NBA level while averaging just 6.8 points a game, it's likely that he's just going to play another depth role for Toronto this season.