The Orlando Magic were one of the most improved teams in the NBA in 2018-19, but rookie Mohamed Bamba still experienced growing pains.
Behind career years from starters like Nikola Vucevic and D.J. Augustin, the Orlando Magic enjoyed a return to relevance in 2018-19. They put a competent group on the court that banded around having a defensive identity, with the ability to shut a lot of opponents out.
More from Hoops Habit
- 7 Players the Miami Heat might replace Herro with by the trade deadline
- Meet Cooper Flagg: The best American prospect since LeBron James
- Are the Miami Heat laying the groundwork for their next super team?
- Sophomore Jump: 5 second-year NBA players bound to breakout
- NBA Trades: The Lakers bolster their frontcourt in this deal with the Pacers
As a result of this, they picked up some big wins over contending teams, increasing their profile and helping the younger players on their team to gain valuable experience. All of this culminated in the playoffs, where they lost a five game series to the Toronto Raptors. It was their best season in a long time, and the pressure is now on ensuring they continue to grow.
One guy who didn’t have it all his own way was Mohamed Bamba. Taken with the sixth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the center joined a Magic organization that still looked to be rebuilding. Unfortunately for him, by the time the season was over the Magic had taken significant steps forward in their rebuild.
This affords Bamba less time to get used to the league, and this was something which didn’t come together for him properly during his rookie campaign either. A leg fracture just before the All-Star break forcing him out of action, and crucial game time, for the rest of the season. Although a blow then, this may end up being a blessing in disguise for Bamba.
For example, there is Jonathan Isaac, who played only 27 games as a rookie before going down injured, he responded brilliantly in the second year of his career. At this point he looks to have the highest ceiling on the Magic’s roster and it is a blueprint that Bamba should be looking to follow as well.
Extra time in the gym won’t have hurt either, as he looks to bulk up his wiry frame that was exposed in the paint by bigger players (of which there are a lot in the league). In 2018-19 we got a taste of what Bamba can do, and there was a lot to like about how he performed.