TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors signed veteran big man Mo Bamba to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported the move.
Raptors Hand Mo Bamba ‘Two-Week Tryout’
Recent Production and Background
Bamba averaged 16.5 points and 12 rebounds for the G League’s Salt Lake City Stars. Last season, he played for the Clippers and New Orleans. He averaged 4.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 12.9 minutes per game across 32 appearances.
Why Toronto Made the Move
Mo Bamba brings much-needed size to the Raptors’ frontcourt. Toronto ranks in the bottom ten in rebounding, sitting 24th league-wide. The Raptors are playing without center Jakob Poeltl. He has sat out five of the last six games with a lower back injury.
With Poeltl moving in and out of the lineup, the Raptors have searched for frontcourt depth. They have leaned on Sandro Mamukelashvili for backup minutes. Bamba adds elite length and rim protection. That skill set could prove useful if Poeltl misses more time.
A Short Evaluation Window
The deal becomes guaranteed on January 10. The structure gives the Texas alum roughly two weeks to showcase his value.