NBA Rookie Rankings: 5 players with the most long-term potential

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3 of 5

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – DECEMBER 12: Mo Bamba of the Orlando Magic during practice and media availability as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2018 on December 12, 2018 at Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Mo Bamba

Those of you who read our piece on five rookies you should be concerned about might be surprised to see Bamba’s name on this list. The truth is that you can be very concerned and intrigued about a rookie at the same time.

That’s especially true about centers in today’s game. Big men typically develop later than guards. A young center like Bamba who is still just 20-years-old has a lot of time left to figure things out.

Right now it’s fair to say he looks pretty lost on the court at times. That’s particularly true on the offensive end of the floor. Bamba doesn’t look ready to dunk on defenders at the rim and his three-point shot has been pretty inconsistent.

On the other hand, his ability to be an elite rim protector is pretty obvious. There aren’t many players with his combination of length and quickness. Becoming a top-five defensive center would drastically raise his profile.

His offensive game can also easily develop. Think of his best case outcome as a better version of Myles Turner. Bamba’s stroke from three looks good and should improve over time. His ability to finish at the hoop will improve as he adds strength.

Bamba has a long way to go, but he could still become a perennial All-Star. An elite rim protector who can shoot threes and finish at the rim is just the sort of big man every team is looking for.

Home/NBA