NBA Mock Draft: DeAndre Ayton joins the Hawks

Someone with Bamba’s physical gifts and potential skill set could become a top player in the league. He can simply stand around the rim with his arms outstretched and be a top-ten rim protector. Just running to the rim and dunking could make him one of the most efficient and valuable offensive centers in the league, considering the advantage he would have over most NBA big men.

The more I watch Bamba, the more excited I become about his floor. He could possibly provide value similar to that of someone like Milwaukee’s John Henson in his first season. He puts the work in, getting in position for loose rebounds and working for post position on each possession. Some athletic and freakish big men scoot by on those gifts alone — Bamba works.

Some question his motor, and it is especially concerning to see a gifted player float under a tremendous motivator like coach Shaka Smart. But stretches like one during the middle of the second half against Alabama on Dec. 22, in which Bamba flew in to retrieve a loose ball, blocked a 3-pointer and finished a transition dunk, show what it looks like if he locks in.

His fellow frontcourt starter at Texas, Dylan Osetkowski spaces the floor and makes smart plays, while defending smaller players so Bamba doesn’t have to, creating a partnership that allows each to thrive. It allows Bamba to focus on those aspects of his game that already contribute to winning basketball — rebounding, defense and easy shots created from screens.

I’m not worried about the shooting or face-up game on offense. I see it in bursts often enough to feel good that Bamba can come in as one player, with room to grow into a better one when he finds his NBA Osetkowski and builds secondary skills.