NBA Rookie Rankings: 5 guys team should be concerned about

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3. Mo Bamba

Bamba remains one of the most intriguing players in this class. Optimistic scouts look at him and see a unicorn. His combination of length and shooting touch make him a true rarity. More pessimistic talent evaluators see a player who will never be strong or tough enough to really thrive in the NBA.

As always, the truth is likely somewhere in between. Bamba’s play as a rookie hasn’t been all bad. He definitely flashes the ability to be a terrific rim protector. Averaging 1.3 blocks per game in just under 18 minutes per contest is a big key for the Magic defense. There are some valid concerns about whether or not he has quick enough feet to be a switch defender, but there’s time for him to develop on that front.

Most of his disappointments are apparent on the other end of the floor. He’s managed to shoot a respectable 34 percent from behind the arc, but his overall shooting percentage is just 49 percent. That’s not the kind of success you want to see from a 7-footer with Bamba’s athletic gifts.

If Bamba is going to develop into an above average starting center, he needs to show much more willingness to run to the rim and finish. He can provide Orland’s offense spacing by mixing that with popping out to the 3-point line. Bamba has a lot of tools, but his development isn’t coming along quite as fast as his front office probably would like.

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