Jackson vs Bamba

[roasthawg]

Which one is the better prospect? Is Bamba a Rudy Gobert to Jackson's Serge Ibaka?

Both are long. Bamba is Gobert long though with a 7'10" wingspan. Bamba is the better rebounder (14 vs Jackson's 10.6 per 40). Bamba also fouls much less (3.4 vs 5.9 for Jackson). Jackson is a much better shooter though hitting almost 40% from three and 80% from the line.

Imo there's no doubt Jackson profiles as the better offensive player. Defensively it's really close but Bamba is the better rebounder and fouls much less while blocking the same amount of shots. Close call.

 

[206Fan]

It's hard, but I give Jackson the edge just because he's more polished on offense than Bamba is. 40% 3pt shooter in college. I also think he's a bit more agile and would be a tad better in the perimeter.

 

[sactowndog]

It's hard, but I give Jackson the edge just because he's more polished on offense than Bamba is. 40% 3pt shooter in college. I also think he's a bit more agile and would be a tad better in the perimeter.

True but Jackson’s shot mechanics are ugly. Low release point and limited rotation on the ball. Those shot mechanics don’t translate and could become Ball 2.0

If he’s like Lonzo and doesn’t want to change those mechanics because it worked for him then I would pass.

 

[funkykingston]

True but Jackson’s shot mechanics are ugly. Low release point and limited rotation on the ball. Those shot mechanics don’t translate and could become Ball 2.0

If he’s like Lonzo and doesn’t want to change those mechanics because it worked for him then I would pass.

I don't remember Lonzo saying he wasn't willing to change his mechanics. In fact, he started changing them THIS season. He clearly worked on it while out injured.

 

[funkykingston]

People will surely disagree with me but part of what I like about Bagley over JJJ and Bamba is that Bagley plays within himself. He knows his game, knows his strengths and knows his role. That's why he was so efficient offensively this season. Obviously he needs a lot of work on the defensive end but I feel confident he'll come into the NBA and be successful scoring and rebounding because he plays to his strengths.

Others may like that Bamba and Jackson tried to do more than they're capable of right know in terms of attacking off the dribble, advanced post moves, pulling up for shots etc because it shows their potential to be more.

I see it as a bit of WCS disease in terms of trying to be a unicorn at the expense of being great at what you're already good at.

Bamba does this more than Jackson. He also talks about it more, in terms of being a seven footer who can hit step back jumpers or handle the ball in transition. When Jackson forces things and turns the ball over or gets his shot blocked I see it as a result of him being awkward in his movements and lacking explosion rather than seeing himself as more Durant than Gobert.

That said, Jackson's shot form and how well it translates to the next level and a deeper 3point line concerns me. Bamba is a worse shooter but with better mechanics. Bagley had the best percentage from outside but his poor FT% makes me fear that it's small sample size fool's gold.

But even if it is, Bagley rarely shot off the dribble. He took wide open threes or he attacked the basket. It's the type of focused approach that I think will let him succeed early with plenty of room to grow later.

 

[roasthawg]

People will surely disagree with me but part of what I like about Bagley over JJJ and Bamba is that Bagley plays within himself. He knows his game, knows his strengths and knows his role. That's why he was so efficient offensively this season. Obviously he needs a lot of work on the defensive end but I feel confident he'll come into the NBA and be successful scoring and rebounding because he plays to his strengths.

Others may like that Bamba and Jackson tried to do more than they're capable of right know in terms of attacking off the dribble, advanced post moves, pulling up for shots etc because it shows their potential to be more.

I see it as a bit of WCS disease in terms of trying to be a unicorn at the expense of being great at what you're already good at.

Bamba does this more than Jackson. He also talks about it more, in terms of being a seven footer who can hit step back jumpers or handle the ball in transition. When Jackson forces things and turns the ball over or gets his shot blocked I see it as a result of him being awkward in his movements and lacking explosion rather than seeing himself as more Durant than Gobert.

That said, Jackson's shot form and how well it translates to the next level and a deeper 3point line concerns me. Bamba is a worse shooter but with better mechanics. Bagley had the best percentage from outside but his poor FT% makes me fear that it's small sample size fool's gold.

But even if it is, Bagley rarely shot off the dribble. He took wide open threes or he attacked the basket. It's the type of focused approach that I think will let him succeed early with plenty of room to grow later.

With Bagley I just hate the fact that defensively he'll never be a big-time rim protector. If Bamba can give Gobert defense with a chance at being a threat from outside then that's the guy I'm taking at #2. Same goes for Jackson. You can plug either one of these guys into a lineup and put anyone of our other bigs next to them I think.

Bagley might just be a hustle guy at the next level. If he's not gonna shoot and not gonna protect the rim then you might just have a guy catching lobs and cleaning up the boards.

 

[funkykingston]

With Bagley I just hate the fact that defensively he'll never be a big-time rim protector. If Bamba can give Gobert defense with a chance at being a threat from outside then that's the guy I'm taking at #2. Same goes for Jackson. You can plug either one of these guys into a lineup and put anyone of our other bigs next to them I think.

Bagley might just be a hustle guy at the next level. If he's not gonna shoot and not gonna protect the rim then you might just have a guy catching lobs and cleaning up the boards.

My big issue with Bamba is that people seem to think Gobert level defense is a given with him. Rudy Gobert came into the NBA even more raw than Bamba but he's worked extremely hard and developed at a fantastic rate to be the player he is today. I love Bamba in interviews but on the court I saw a kid that often came out soft and had to get pushed around a bit before he'd respond. And with his talk of being a unicorn I definitely get WCS vibes from him.

I DO hate that Bagley ia not an interior defender/rim protector. It means he always has to play next to another big or a team has to accept the defensive issues of playing him as the lone big.

Style wise Jackson Jr is absolutely much more of a modern big while Bagley is a throwback PF but I just think Bagley is more talented and that trumps fit in my mind at least.

 

[sactowndog]

I don't remember Lonzo saying he wasn't willing to change his mechanics. In fact, he started changing them THIS season. He clearly worked on it while out injured.

I thought I read he wasn’t going to change his mechanics. I could be wrong

 

[roasthawg]

My big issue with Bamba is that people seem to think Gobert level defense is a given with him. Rudy Gobert came into the NBA even more raw than Bamba but he's worked extremely hard and developed at a fantastic rate to be the player he is today. I love Bamba in interviews but on the court I saw a kid that often came out soft and had to get pushed around a bit before he'd respond. And with his talk of being a unicorn I definitely get WCS vibes from him.

I DO hate that Bagley ia not an interior defender/rim protector. It means he always has to play next to another big or a team has to accept the defensive issues of playing him as the lone big.

Style wise Jackson Jr is absolutely much more of a modern big while Bagley is a throwback PF but I just think Bagley is more talented and that trumps fit in my mind at least.

If Gobert level defense was a given I think Bamba would be a no brainer at #2. It's no given but he profiles well. He has the wingspan of Gobert and the defensive production in college to match. In terms of him vs WCS he's a better rebounder, shot blocker, and outside shooter than Willie so that's a lot of positives there.

I dunno, this pick is so tough. One or more of these guys is gonna be really good, figuring out who that is beforehand is tough though... None of em really stand out.

 

[Joshoua]

Jackson and it’s not even close. Jackson will have a better impact on defense being able to switch and guard the pick and roll. We know how far ahead he is on Bamba on offense

 

[biltalent]

Jackson and it’s not even close. Jackson will have a better impact on defense being able to switch and guard the pick and roll. We know how far ahead he is on Bamba on offense

Agree. JJJ is way better on offense and on defense as well.
Thus I got JJJ tied with Ayton for #2/#3 and Bamba is currently #11.

 

[Ozymandias]

My board is currently

Bamba
Ayton
JJJ
Bagley
Doncic

I think its a gross oversimplification to do this 'he's better on offense and he's better on defense' especially with the 2 who project to be TWO-WAY players.

Agree. JJJ is way better on offense and on defense as well.
Thus I got JJJ tied with Ayton for #2/#3 and Bamba is currently #11.

Mo Bamba is the best shotblocker in the next 5, maybe 10, drafts, he's not the 11th best player in this draft LOL

 

[Joshoua]

My board is currently

Bamba
Ayton
JJJ
Bagley
Doncic

I think its a gross oversimplification to do this 'he's better on offense and he's better on defense' especially with the 2 who project to be TWO-WAY players.

Mo Bamba is the best shotblocker in the next 5, maybe 10, drafts, he's not the 11th best player in this draft LOL

You have Bamba at 1?

What does he do to deserve this

 

[Ozymandias]

You have Bamba at 1?

What does he do to deserve this

I believe Mo is completely and utterly cant miss and safe at #1. His upside is really extreme too, he could be the star this team needs.. He's been #1 on my board since about halfway thru the colleege szn when he was putting up 25-14 and 7 blocks type statlines.

Ppl have this tendency to compare and contrast players in class and never look outside of this perspective. Mo to me compares well to top 5 bigs of the past present and future. There's truly a scarcity factor involved.

Shotblocking will always be at a premium in the NBA its why JJJ vs Bagley to me is an ez choice.

Mo is one of the best shotblockers in the world already. Do you guys watch the Jazz? Some of the best offensive players in the league dont even think about shooting when Rudy Gobert's in the vicinity.

Im 30 and been following recruiting since i was a teenager and mo is the smartest kid ive ever heard speak at that age, players like KAT set the bar very high too..

On the court, Mo is omnipresent, oboards running the floor, he's the type of player who's seemingly always involved, gets his hands on a lot of rebounds, he's gonna be a major factor tipping ungrabbable boards out. His shot has always looked good to me for someone with comically long arms.

I've followed his story for years, Im a NYer, he's a local legend. They make rap songs about mo here already. His build is actually quite similar to a young Wilt Chamberlain, mo's wingspans longer actually .

 

[biltalent]

My board is currently

Bamba
Ayton
JJJ
Bagley
Doncic

I think its a gross oversimplification to do this 'he's better on offense and he's better on defense' especially with the 2 who project to be TWO-WAY players.

Mo Bamba is the best shotblocker in the next 5, maybe 10, drafts, he's not the 11th best player in this draft LOL

I had Bamba at #2 to start the year. I saw him as a defensive monster with creation and shooting upside.
He has completely dissappointed me since.
First, I think his defense is totally overrated. He has this gigantic wingspan but other than that I see zero instincts. Abandon highlights and watch closely during games. He is always a step slow. Out of position. No idea how to guard the pick and roll. Helpless against pick and pops and closeouts. Caught in no mans land.
Doesnt box out. Even if he does, gets pushed around. Not going to rebound in the NBA.

I have noted this during scouting him: "I cringe every time I see him play defense."

Three years ago Willie Cauley-Stein was supposed to be this defensive monster. An A+ athlete at 7'1 with decent length. DPOY!
Turns out that if you go to the NBA your physical advantage doesnt mean anything if you can't react quick enough and read what is happening. I think it will be the same with Bamba.

Not to mention Bamba has no clue what to do on offense either. No feel how to dive out of pick and rolls. Sets terrible screens. Can't pass. Low feel.

Don't get persuaded by him looking awesome in workouts. These guys always look good because it takes out their biggest flaw, i.e. low feel/IQ and instincts.

I too like his character. I guess I also like the improvements in his jumper. Thats a plus. Maybe I could put him at #9 or #10 but thats about it. Don't see why that is disrespectful, I still have him as a top ten guy in a normal draft. That is high praise.

 

[Joshoua]

I had Bamba at #2 to start the year. I saw him as a defensive monster with creation and shooting upside.
He has completely dissappointed me since.
First, I think his defense is totally overrated. He has this gigantic wingspan but other than that I see zero instincts. Abandon highlights and watch closely during games. He is always a step slow. Out of position. No idea how to guard the pick and roll. Helpless against pick and pops and closeouts. Caught in no mans land.
Doesnt box out. Even if he does, gets pushed around. Not going to rebound in the NBA.

I have noted this during scouting him: "I cringe every time I see him play defense."

Three years ago Willie Cauley-Stein was supposed to be this defensive monster. An A+ athlete at 7'1 with decent length. DPOY!
Turns out that if you go to the NBA your physical advantage doesnt mean anything if you can't react quick enough and read what is happening. I think it will be the same with Bamba.

Not to mention Bamba has no clue what to do on offense either. No feel how to dive out of pick and rolls. Sets terrible screens. Can't pass. Low feel.

Don't get persuaded by him looking awesome in workouts. These guys always look good because it takes out their biggest flaw, i.e. low feel/IQ and instincts.

I too like his character. I guess I also like the improvements in his jumper. Thats a plus. Maybe I could put him at #9 or #10 but thats about it. Don't see why that is disrespectful, I still have him as a top ten guy in a normal draft. That is high praise.

The Bamba talk should end after this, perfect report on his game.

 

[dude12]

Avoid both JJJ and Bamba in the draft, problem solved. They are both below Ayton, Doncic, Bagley and Porter.

 

[Ozymandias]

Mo Bamba has zero instincts? What an eloquent argument LMFAO. You'd know better than Team USA basketball right?You are unworthy to even have this discussion with me, i only carry on for those who might be reading this as most dont have remotely the amount of time to sink into this hobby as me. This is a forum for discussion, you sound insecure, like a child who desperately wants to have the last word, when you say 'the bamba talk should end', this is one of the benefits of hitting the lotto players like Mo are now gettable, at 7 he wasnt.

Care to qualify your level of knowledge on this subject? Your opinions way off the consensus, am i supposed to believe your accurate with these style of calls? You seem biased, why am i to believe youre being objective when many of your statements are absolutes on a subject thats an inexact science and accounts for more variables than the public can fathom.

I thought Rudy Gobert looked like a lotto pick going into that 2013 draft, how bout you? Mo is WAY ahead of Rudy at the same age, its not even remotely close.
Im supposed to engage your response as serious? You sound incredibly naieve, casting absolute aspersons based on a comically small sample size. Am i supposed to believe you watched him play more than a handful of games?

My opinion of your opinion is your throwing crap at a wall and hoping it sticks, you sound like a knicks fan talking down on predraft Porzingis. You convinced yourself you didnt want him at 7 which is hilarious and now have doubled down.


The Kings were bottom 10 all year and the thread on draftees went a whopping 20-something pages, excuse me for not believing people here watch this stuff as closely as i, i'm sure they dont tho. Ask me about any prospect, not just the top guys ill drop paragraphs in just a few minutes.

Eventually you'll see.

 

[Ozymandias]

No instincts /?!?!!? Did this guy really just say that/??? Lol . I could school this dude so bad on this subject(his fan-fiction) im just gonna let it linger tho.

I watched almost 20 texas games this year for the record and ive seen him play 20 games before that. Been reading recruiting articles on him for years.

So mjany times mo got a clean block and college refs called it a foul, happened twice in their final game.

It's like wilt Chamberlain said "people dont like to root for goliath", idk how much Kings basketball youve seen over the years but IMHO, they could use a goliath.

 

[Ozymandias]

Avoid both JJJ and Bamba in the draft, problem solved. They are both below Ayton, Doncic, Bagley and Porter.

What did you make of the JJJ vs Bagley III early season showdown?

 

[dude12]

What did you make of the JJJ vs Bagley III early season showdown?

Didnt watch it....what's your take on it?

 

[bajaden]

I thought I read he wasn’t going to change his mechanics. I could be wrong

It was suggested by someone attached to the Lakers that Ball not work on his shot in the coming year, but to concentrate on learning how to play PG in the NBA. Then, after the season (like now) work on his shot mechanic's through the summer. They felt that working on changing his shot while going through his first year in the league would be too big a distraction from his game.

 

[bajaden]

No instincts /?!?!!? Did this guy really just say that/??? Lol . I could school this dude so bad on this subject(his fan-fiction) im just gonna let it linger tho.

I watched almost 20 texas games this year for the record and ive seen him play 20 games before that. Been reading recruiting articles on him for years.

So mjany times mo got a clean block and college refs called it a foul, happened twice in their final game.

It's like wilt Chamberlain said "people dont like to root for goliath", idk how much Kings basketball youve seen over the years but IMHO, they could use a goliath.

I as well watched Bamba play over 20 times this season, and while I don't agree with comments about his instincts that some have, I do think in some areas those comments are credible. But to a large degree, it's nothing but nit picking. My disagreements on Bamba come on fit more than anything else. Do I think he could become a defensive monster in the NBA? You bet! Do I think that he's a perfect fit on the Kings with his current skill level? Nope! Does that mean it couldn't work out? Of course not!

So what do I mean by that? To my deranged mind, the Kings are trying to build a team similar to the Spurs/Warriors/Rockets, etc. A team that's unselfish and moves the ball. That means having players that can pass, handle, and shoot the ball. Hopefully those same players are capable of playing solid team defense. So from that perspective, Bamba isn't a good fit. Early in the season it appeared that Texas was experimenting with Bamba at the high post. Running the ball through him occasionally. He showed little to no instincts when it came to making reads from there.

Bamba was also touted as a big man with a 3 pt shot. While his form looked solid, his shot didn't go in. To be honest, Bamba's offensive game is extremely raw, (poor post game) and will take a few years to bring up to speed, if it's indeed possible. From the Kings point of view, or Vlade's point of view, helping now, is more important than helping a couple of years from now. Because if he doesn't help now, Vlade may not be around to see the results of a couple of years from now.

I do think that Bamba is an instinctive shot blocker, and a good enough athlete to eventually be a good P&R defender. I have little doubts about his defensive potential. Whether he's the next coming of Gobert is for others to argue about. My concerns are more about the offensive side of his game, which I think are warranted. I wouldn't cry if we somehow ended up with Bamba, but he's certainly not my first choice. I would take Jackson before Bamba, but he's not my first choice either.

By the way, Wilt is my all time favorite NBA player. Nothing wrong with arrogance if you can walk the walk.

 

[ESP47]

What did you make of the JJJ vs Bagley III early season showdown?

Difficult to tell since Bagley got poked in the eye and had to leave early.

 

[biltalent]

Mo Bamba has zero instincts? What an eloquent argument LMFAO. You'd know better than Team USA basketball right?You are unworthy to even have this discussion with me, i only carry on for those who might be reading this as most dont have remotely the amount of time to sink into this hobby as me. This is a forum for discussion, you sound insecure, like a child who desperately wants to have the last word, when you say 'the bamba talk should end', this is one of the benefits of hitting the lotto players like Mo are now gettable, at 7 he wasnt.

Care to qualify your level of knowledge on this subject? Your opinions way off the consensus, am i supposed to believe your accurate with these style of calls? You seem biased, why am i to believe youre being objective when many of your statements are absolutes on a subject thats an inexact science and accounts for more variables than the public can fathom.

I thought Rudy Gobert looked like a lotto pick going into that 2013 draft, how bout you? Mo is WAY ahead of Rudy at the same age, its not even remotely close.
Im supposed to engage your response as serious? You sound incredibly naieve, casting absolute aspersons based on a comically small sample size. Am i supposed to believe you watched him play more than a handful of games?

My opinion of your opinion is your throwing crap at a wall and hoping it sticks, you sound like a knicks fan talking down on predraft Porzingis. You convinced yourself you didnt want him at 7 which is hilarious and now have doubled down.


The Kings were bottom 10 all year and the thread on draftees went a whopping 20-something pages, excuse me for not believing people here watch this stuff as closely as i, i'm sure they dont tho. Ask me about any prospect, not just the top guys ill drop paragraphs in just a few minutes.

Eventually you'll see.

I am not even sure if you are talking to me or to Joshua, but I am taking the time to calmly respond to you.
Apparently the wording "bad instincts" threw you off for some reason, so let me define what I mean by that first and provide some evidence for what I mean. Feel free to disagree or "school me" if you want to, after all discussion is always valuable.

With "bad instincts" I mean that Bamba is slow to react to what is happening on the court, especially defensively. To me, he seems to need a split second longer than he should to process what is happening. He does not anticipate quickly enough what the opposition is going to do. This manifests itself in really bad pick and roll defense. Apparently he is in the 32nd percentile in pick and roll defense. That is really bad for someone that is supposed to be a future DPOY.

For some evidence for what I mean you can watch here from 7:07 to the end:

Further, I am citing commonly acknowledged scouting sites to underline my argument:

From Draftexpress in 2015:
-While the physical tools and potential skill set are tremendous, Bamba is still extremely raw on both ends of the floor. He doesn't have great fundamentals defensively and often leaves much to be desired in the reaction time/twitch and motor department.
-Feel for the game is a work in progress. Lacks significant strength and experience. Has a long ways to go still
-Stands and watches on the defensive glass. Doesn't want to find a body. Relies on tools more than fundamentals.

2017:
-Needs to play with more toughness to maximize his defensive potential. Gets posted up without much resistance. Defensive fundamentals have room to improve. Bites on fakes. Doesn't take great angles on the perimeter.
-Over-thinks the game at times. Can play a more reactionary game
Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mohamed-Bamba-91224/ ©DraftExpress

The stepien also notes the same problems: https://www.thestepien.com/mohamed-bamba/
They even have a whole article breaking down his defense (though I think this article focuses too much on athl than instincts/reaction time): https://www.thestepien.com/2018/04/16/bet-mo-bamba-bet-athletic-development

And yes, I am aware that I am off consensus with Bamba at #11 but since when did we have to agree on everything? Thats called group think.
(And its not like I have him in the second round either, just that I rank other prospects higher.)

Oh and the whole "I watch for games than you, thus my observations are more valid". Sure, someone might watch more games than anyone else. But watching the games is the easy part. The hard part is to evaluate which traits and skills translate. If you look for the right things, you can take away more from 2-3 games than if you don't and watch all games. Not saying that you specifically don't know how to (I actually agree with your analysis a lot - just not here) - just saying that these types of arguments lead us nowhere.

 

[Joshoua]

I am not even sure if you are talking to me or to Joshua, but I am taking the time to calmly respond to you.
Apparently the wording "bad instincts" threw you off for some reason, so let me define what I mean by that first and provide some evidence for what I mean. Feel free to disagree or "school me" if you want to, after all discussion is always valuable.

With "bad instincts" I mean that Bamba is slow to react to what is happening on the court, especially defensively. To me, he seems to need a split second longer than he should to process what is happening. He does not anticipate quickly enough what the opposition is going to do. This manifests itself in really bad pick and roll defense. Apparently he is in the 32nd percentile in pick and roll defense. That is really bad for someone that is supposed to be a future DPOY.

For some evidence for what I mean you can watch here from 7:07 to the end:

Further, I am citing commonly acknowledged scouting sites to underline my argument:

From Draftexpress in 2015:
-While the physical tools and potential skill set are tremendous, Bamba is still extremely raw on both ends of the floor. He doesn't have great fundamentals defensively and often leaves much to be desired in the reaction time/twitch and motor department.
-Feel for the game is a work in progress. Lacks significant strength and experience. Has a long ways to go still
-Stands and watches on the defensive glass. Doesn't want to find a body. Relies on tools more than fundamentals.

2017:
-Needs to play with more toughness to maximize his defensive potential. Gets posted up without much resistance. Defensive fundamentals have room to improve. Bites on fakes. Doesn't take great angles on the perimeter.
-Over-thinks the game at times. Can play a more reactionary game
Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mohamed-Bamba-91224/ ©DraftExpress

The stepien also notes the same problems: https://www.thestepien.com/mohamed-bamba/
They even have a whole article breaking down his defense (though I think this article focuses too much on athl than instincts/reaction time): https://www.thestepien.com/2018/04/16/bet-mo-bamba-bet-athletic-development

And yes, I am aware that I am off consensus with Bamba at #11 but since when did we have to agree on everything? Thats called group think.
(And its not like I have him in the second round either, just that I rank other prospects higher.)

Oh and the whole "I watch for games than you, thus my observations are more valid". Sure, someone might watch more games than anyone else. But watching the games is the easy part. The hard part is to evaluate which traits and skills translate. If you look for the right things, you can take away more from 2-3 games than if you don't and watch all games. Not saying that you specifically don't know how to (I actually agree with your analysis a lot - just not here) - just saying that these types of arguments lead us nowhere.

I don’t know what got him upset about “instincts” but you were right in that. I watched 5-8 games of his thinking we’d be outside the top 5 and he wasn’t impressive. Wanting to draft a non scorer big who cant switch on the perimeter or hurt small guys in the post is a death sentence for the team.

 

[kingsboi]

I as well watched Bamba play over 20 times this season, and while I don't agree with comments about his instincts that some have, I do think in some areas those comments are credible. But to a large degree, it's nothing but nit picking. My disagreements on Bamba come on fit more than anything else. Do I think he could become a defensive monster in the NBA? You bet! Do I think that he's a perfect fit on the Kings with his current skill level? Nope! Does that mean it couldn't work out? Of course not!

So what do I mean by that? To my deranged mind, the Kings are trying to build a team similar to the Spurs/Warriors/Rockets, etc. A team that's unselfish and moves the ball. That means having players that can pass, handle, and shoot the ball. Hopefully those same players are capable of playing solid team defense. So from that perspective, Bamba isn't a good fit. Early in the season it appeared that Texas was experimenting with Bamba at the high post. Running the ball through him occasionally. He showed little to no instincts when it came to making reads from there.

Bamba was also touted as a big man with a 3 pt shot. While his form looked solid, his shot didn't go in. To be honest, Bamba's offensive game is extremely raw, (poor post game) and will take a few years to bring up to speed, if it's indeed possible. From the Kings point of view, or Vlade's point of view, helping now, is more important than helping a couple of years from now. Because if he doesn't help now, Vlade may not be around to see the results of a couple of years from now.

I do think that Bamba is an instinctive shot blocker, and a good enough athlete to eventually be a good P&R defender. I have little doubts about his defensive potential. Whether he's the next coming of Gobert is for others to argue about. My concerns are more about the offensive side of his game, which I think are warranted. I wouldn't cry if we somehow ended up with Bamba, but he's certainly not my first choice. I would take Jackson before Bamba, but he's not my first choice either.

By the way, Wilt is my all time favorite NBA player. Nothing wrong with arrogance if you can walk the walk.

Bamba doesn't need to be drafted with the expectation that he would ONLY be a shot blocker when he has more tools than just being a one dimensional big. He is worth locking in the gym to lift, increase mobility and work on his J as well as post moves and let the chips fall how they may. It may take a few seasons for it to come to the light but I feel it would be a worthwhile investment on the Kings part, not to add to the fact that he is very intelligent and he knows what he needs to work on, so the willingness is there.

 

[jiimbob]

I think in a few years people will be saying, damn that Mo Bamba is good. Still doesn't mean he's my pick at 2, not yet anyhow, and as mentioed before, Vlade might not have that luxury.

I love the mention of Wilt Chamberlain. I remember him more from Conan the Destroyer, however Wilt vs Bill Russell, classic big man battles back in the day when there was no question who ruled the court.

 

[Telemachus]

I think in a few years people will be saying, damn that Mo Bamba is good. Still doesn't mean he's my pick at 2, not yet anyhow, and as mentioed before, Vlade might not have that luxury.

I love the mention of Wilt Chamberlain. I remember him more from Conan the Destroyer, however Wilt vs Bill Russell, classic big man battles back in the day when there was no question who ruled the court.

Wilt would have broken Bamba in half. He was incredibly strong.

 

[sactowndog]

It was suggested by someone attached to the Lakers that Ball not work on his shot in the coming year, but to concentrate on learning how to play PG in the NBA. Then, after the season (like now) work on his shot mechanic's through the summer. They felt that working on changing his shot while going through his first year in the league would be too big a distraction from his game.

Yeah that I knew. Thought subsequently decided not to change his mechanics.