4. Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
Bamba’s motor runs hot and cold, but his physical tools and defensive upside is too much to ignore. He’s currently averaging 4.1 blocks per game, as well as a double-double. He’s not bad.
Listed at 6-11, Bamba’s 7-9 wingspan would rival that of Rudy Gobert, making him the longest player in the NBA. His ability to cover ground and eat up space around the rim is something no other prospect is physically capable of replicating, while Bamba has always been praised for his high I.Q. and willingness to learn on that side of the ball.
Offensively, Bamba is a bit raw. He floats around the perimeter too much sometimes, while his interior game is often relegated to finishing at the rim. He has shown some post moves in the past and is a 27.9 percent 3-point shooter, but that part of his game is a work in progress.