3 free agent flops the Toronto Raptors were right to pass on

1. Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic

Bamba was linked to the Raptors, without a shred of hyperbole, for years. Considering the seven-footer could run the floor and shoot, he seemed like a no-brainer for Masai Ujiri. The Magic ultimately retained Bamba after his breakout season, but he has fallen down Jamahl Mosley’s pecking order.

Bamba, who started 69 games last year, has seen his minutes get cut in half (25.7 to 13.4 per game) while No. 1 sensation Paolo Banchero makes his mark in Orlando. Averaging just 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game is bad enough, but getting outplayed by Bol Bol is not a good look for Bamba.

The Toronto Raptors wisely turned down Mo Bamba.

The Raptors have gotten some solid minutes out of Koloko, and their defense has been solid despite lacking a player like Bamba in the center of that unit. Porter and one of the Boucher/Young duo likely would not have been retained if they signed Bamba.

Orlando is leaning into the length movement, but the fact that Bamba is losing time despite the organization’s focus on that trait is extremely concerning. Bamba performing as he did during his first few years is making last season look more like a flash in the pan than ever.