76ers sign former lottery pick in free agency
Jan 4, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba (5) shoots the ball during the warmups prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia 76ers are adding a former lottery pick to their frontcourt.
The Sixers and Mo Bamba have agreed to a one-year deal, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday. Woj says the Sixers are planning to re-sign Paul Reed, but Bamba would give them depth in the case they are unable to retain their backup center.
Philadelphia is bringing in Bamba with the intention of keeping restricted free agent Paul Reed, but Bamba gives the Sixers some security behind Joel Embiid if they do lose Reed. https://t.co/8CCl5C71OY
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2023
Bamba was the No. 6 overall pick by the Orlando Magic in 2018. He spent four and a half seasons with the Magic until being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers prior to February’s deadline. Bamba did not see much action for the Lakers as he played in just nine games for them. He missed time due to foot and ankle injuries.
Bamba’s best statistical season came when he served as Orlando’s starting center in 2021-2022. He averaged 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game that season.
Bamba offers some appeal as a 7-foot-tall big man who can also make threes at nearly a 36 percent clip.