The Sixer Sense
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2018 NBA Draft Big Board 4.0: New year, new rankings

By Christopher Kline

BIRMINGHAM, AL - DECEMBER 22: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Legacy Arena at BJCC on December 22, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, AL - DECEMBER 22: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Legacy Arena at BJCC on December 22, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas

After a middling start to the season, Bamba has shot back up draft boards. A 7-foot frame, topped off by a 7-foot-9 wingspan, made it difficult for him to fall too far in the first place.

Even though there are some elite defensive bigs in this year’s lottery discussion, nobody’s ceiling reaches as high as Bamba’s. His length allows him to alter shots that normally go uncontested, and evidenced by his eight blocks against Kansas last week.

Somebody with a standing reach that rivals Rudy Gobert brings a lot of intrigue, even if his skill set isn’t polished at this point. He’s probably the most raw player in the top 10, but his defensive upside is something teams will have a tough time passing on.