2018 NBA Mock Draft: Time for the Final Four

In an interview with Horns, the 24/7 Sports University of Texas blog, Bamba gave insight about his freshman season and his decision this week to hire an agent and enter the 2018 NBA Draft.

When asked explicitly why he should be the No.1 overall pick, Bamba said, “I bring a lot of different things to the table on the court. And I bring a different arsenal of things to the table culturally as a person. I can easily see myself as being the guy of a city.” It will be interesting to watch his interviews moving forward, as this answer fits in with the pattern he’s shown throughout his career of almost being disinterested in the… basketball… aspect of basketball.

He also discussed the progress of his 3-point shot, which was discussed as a main part of his developmental package entering college before he shot just 28 percent in his freshman season: “I made some strides as I reflect on myself as a 3-point shooter. But as the season went on, I looked for a better shot.”

The Bulls and coach Fred Hoiberg are an interesting fit, as the role Robin Lopez and the Bulls’ bigs play on offense is much different than the one Bamba would figure to be best in at the next level. Spacing the floor and making reads as a passer were negatives for Bamba at Texas, whereas they are the primary responsibility for Bulls bigs under Hoiberg.

But the Bulls clearly need frontcourt defense next to Lauri Markkanen going forward, and have shown progress this year developing raw young players.