Toronto Raptors: 4 players 23 and younger Raps could acquire
By Mike Luciano
3. Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic
The Magic probably regret winning a few extra games in 2017-18, as they missed out on the chance to select Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, and Trae Young. Bamba looked like a nice consolation prize, as his 7-9 wingspan made him look like a potential two-way superstar if developed correctly.
Bamba’s per 36-minute stats make it seem like he is a future All-Star in the making. Unfortunately, he has failed to seize a starting role in three years due to his still raw offensive game, and adding a fellow 2018 draftee in Wendell Carter, taken one pick after Bamba, could signal the end for his time in Orlando.
Will the Toronto Raptors give Mo Bamba playing time?
The Raptors already plucked one successful center from Orlando in the form of Khem Birch, and he put up the best numbers of his career with Toronto. Bamba might have a higher ceiling considering the mouth-watering combination of skills that he has at his disposal, and Nurse could be the one to unlock it.
Birch went from a garden-variety backup to a quality starting center that could earn a very hefty contract in the offseason. If Nurse is able to turn Bamba into what everyone thought that he could be out of Texas, the Raptors would have stolen a potential starter at center.