Memphis Grizzlies: 5 options for pick No. 4 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Mason McFee
1. Mohamed Bamba
If Jaren Jackson Jr. is the most sure thing in this year’s draft, then Mohamed Bamba is the most enticing. If you thought that Kristaps Porzingis was a unicorn, then Bamba is a skinny Bigfoot — a player that’s maybe been seen before (Rudy Gobert), but also could create his own category of player.
If you thought that Jackson’s physical measurements were absurd, then take a look at Bamba’s:
- 7’0″ height
- 7’9″ wingspan
- 9’6″ standing reach
That’s right folks. Mohamed Bamba has a standing reach of 9’6″. To put that further into perspective, with his shoes to the ground, all Bamba has to do is stretch his arms up and is only 6 inches away from touching the rim. It’s those insane measurables that should have J.B. Bickerstaff and co. channeling their inner Usain Bolt to select Bamba. The best part about Bamba though? He can shoot the 3.
Now, 27.5 percent from 3 is nothing to write home about, even if it was only a small sample size (51 attempts all season). For Bamba though, he showcased to whatever team drafts him that he offers something most of the big men prospects can’t: consistent versatility on both sides of the floor.
Bamba is coming off a season where he was No. 2 in the nation averaging 3.7 blocks per game (he also was first in the Big 12 in rebounds per game with 10.5). Those numbers are nothing to sniff at, and are certainly something to write home about.
Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition
Some people will write off Bamba’s 3-point shooting as raw, but Marc Gasol wasn’t a 3-point shooter until a few seasons ago; and (at least to me), both he and Bamba have similar shooting strokes. Coincidence? Maybe so, but selecting Bamba could expedite their rebuilding process if he continues to work on that shot, and propel them to playoff contention much sooner than expected.