In stature, the Toronto Raptors' newest acquisition, Mo Bamba, is everything a franchise could desire in a center. He stands at seven feet in height and boasts a ridiculous seven-foot-ten-inch wingspan. However, even with physical measurements that could have been manufactured in a video game, Bamba's levels of effort and consistency on the court have prevented him from reaching his true potential. Something that the Philadelphia 76ers know too well.
Mo Bamba has agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Toronto Raptors, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports and Greer Love tell ESPN. Bamba averaged 16.5 points and 12 rebounds in G League Salt Lake City and now brings needed size to Raptors frontcourt for his eighth NBA season. pic.twitter.com/git5ZYAlna
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 29, 2025
During his time in Philadelphia, the 27-year-old played second fiddle to star player Joel Embiid, occasionally showing glimpses of the useful rotational player he could become. Bamba could not only be a menace in the paint, but also could stretch the floor and hit a shot from deep if that was required of him.
This doesn't sound so bad, does it? In fact, it's a player that all franchises would be desperate to get their hands on. The real issue comes with Bamba's mentality. Which Mo Bamba was going to sport the Philadelphia 76ers' jersey? Unfortunately for both the team and the player, it was often one that exhibited a passive figure. In the end, his unwillingness to fight led to him falling behind Paul Reed in the pecking order as Embiid's understudy.
Over 57 appearances with the Sixers, the Texas graduate averaged 4.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks, while registering around 13 minutes on the court.
Toronto could still make Mo magic
Despite all of his flaws and frustrations, Bamba could still play an important role for the Raptors if he can stay motivated long enough to make a meaningful contribution. Toronto has stumbled across several issues in the center position. Most notably, Kelly Olynyk's persistent back injury that has restricted his availability for selection.
The former 76ers man has proven that not only can he be a part of a system, but he can occasionally be an asset on offense. During a 119-113 defeat to the Miami Heat in January 2024, Bamba recorded 18 points while sinking seven of his eight field goal attempts. Also, he tallied up six rebounds in this performance.
In addition, Philadelphia fans have also been on the receiving end of a Bamba bonanza. The center put on a clinic against the 76ers during his days with the Orlando Magic in 2022, as he registered a career-high 32 points and seven shots from beyond the arc.
On paper, this signing is exactly what the Toronto Raptors needed to continue their impressive start to the 2025-26 campaign, with the franchise currently sitting in fourth spot (20-14) in the Eastern Conference standings. Nevertheless, the Philadelphia 76ers can testify to the true nature of Mo Bamba's character, and it is unlikely that this lethargic trait is going to change as he heads into his eighth year as a professional.