Charlotte Hornets: 3 reasons to trade for Mo Bamba

The Charlotte Hornets need size in the middle at the center position and a player that can defend the paint, protect the rim, and score. The Hornets could target Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba as the NBA trade deadline approaches on March 25.

Bamba was the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. In 17 games this season (9.5 minutes per game), Bamba is averaging 4.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 52.2% from the field and 36.8% from three.

Bamba was heralded coming out of Texas in 2018 but injuries and a battle with COVID-19 have derailed him during his two-plus seasons in the NBA.

Bamba is on the books for $5.9 million this season. With the Hornets currently sitting at $4.2 in cap space, a simple swap of Malik Monk and Bamba could be made. The Hornets could also absorb Bamba’s contract by trading him for either Cody or Caleb Martin. The Hornets could throw in a second round pick or two to make either deal happen. It is highly unlikely that the Magic will get a first round pick back for Bamba at this time.

Bamba would add much-needed size to the Charlotte Hornets’ frontcourt.

Bamba’s size and skills are what made him a high draft pick in 2018. Bamba is 7-foot with a 7-10 wingspan; longer than Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz. He beefed up by 28 pounds last season between the shutdown and the restart. Bamba has the potential to be an All-Star level rim protector.

When healthy, Bamba runs the floor and plays actively on the defensive end. He positions himself well on defense and would be a game-changer at the rim as he closes out effectively on shooters, and alters or blocks everything at the rim.

With Bamba in the middle, the Hornets would be able to stop packing the paint, which oftentimes leads to Charlotte giving him uncontested three-pointers.

Bamba has the shooting touch to develop into a good two-way player.

Bamba knows his limitations on offense and doesn’t try to push what he doesn’t do well. He has a good faceup game and shoots the ball consistently from mid-range. If he catches the ball near the rim, he is going to score.

Bamba has improved his three-point shooting. During his rookie season, he shot 30% from three. Bamba improved to 34.6 during his second season and is currently shooting 36.8% from three this season.

Should Bamba continue to develop as a scorer, with the potential to become a stretch-five, he could provide the scoring contribution from the center position that the Hornets have missed consistently since the departure of Al Jefferson.

Bamba would help to fix the Charlotte Hornets’ rebounding problems.

Speaking of Al Jefferson, the Hornets have struggled with rebounding from the center position since Jefferson’s departure following the 2015-2016 season.

In limited playing time last season (14.2 minutes per game), Bamba was first in total rebounding rate for the Magic at 18.5. He was also effective on the offensive board, averaging 4.1 offensive rebounds per 75 possessions and 3.1 putbacks per 75 possessions.

Bamba has the physical tools and skill to become a stud, two-way player in the NBA. He’s only 22 years old. Even though he’s been dealt a bad hand with injuries early on in his career, he’s young enough to change his current narrative. Bamba is the sort of low-risk, high-reward player acquisition the Hornets should look for.