Grade the Deal: 76ers sign free agent Mo Bamba, retain Montrezl Harrell

Can Mo Bamba move the needle for the 76ers next season?

The idea of Mo Bamba has been perennially much better than the actual Mo Bamba. That being said, you don’t get to mint those lofty ideas in the first place without any justification of the viable variant as to why the young center can be and do so much more on the court than what his numbers dictate so far.

Bamba’s unique physical tools and motor as a seven-footer boast incredible value for a reclamation project like him. One of the very few players in the league who combines shot-blocking prowess with a respectable three-point shot, the 25-year-old can arm the 76ers with a young backup to Joel Embiid who touts a skill set never been seen before off Philly’s bench behind the league MVP.

Intrigue and all however, Bamba is far from a perfect player. His finishing around the rim needs a lot of work. His strength down low can be abysmal against big bruisers. His court awareness on both ends lags behind most players on the court. Oh, and above all, he has a difficult time staying on the floor due to foul trouble.

Nevertheless, for a minimum deal, the Sixers did well snagging Mo Bamba in the market for cheap. While it’s easier to quantify his weaknesses than strengths, he at least gives the team a younger reinforcement in the frontcourt. Consider this a low-risk, high-reward signing.

Grade: A-