Toronto Raptors make a splash with Mo Bamba signing
The Toronto Raptors have officially welcomed Mo Bamba into their roster, marking a significant addition to their frontcourt. Bamba made his debut in the second quarter of the Raptors’ matchup against the Orlando Magic—his former team that selected him as the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. This new chapter in Bamba’s NBA journey brings him to Toronto after a series of trades and transitions over the past few years.
A fresh start in Toronto
Since being traded by the Orlando Magic nearly three years ago, Bamba has navigated the league as a journeyman, seeking stability and a consistent role. Now, with the Raptors, he is positioned to provide the much-needed size and rebounding prowess as the team deals with the absence of Jakob Poeltl due to a back injury. Poeltl is expected to be sidelined for at least another week, creating a pressing need for depth in the center position.
Bamba’s signing is a non-guaranteed contract, which will become fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster past January 10. In the meantime, he faces the challenge of proving himself and earning a permanent spot on the team as the regular season progresses.
Impressive G League performance
Before joining the Raptors, Bamba spent time in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars, the Utah Jazz’s affiliate. His performance there caught the attention of Raptors’ management. Sportsnet insider Michael Grange highlighted Bamba’s standout moments, noting that Raptors executives were in Orlando scouting talent during the G League’s Winter Showcase.
Bamba’s contributions were pivotal in Salt Lake City’s success, as he averaged 16.5 points on an impressive 68 percent shooting from the field, alongside 15 rebounds—four of which were offensive—during the Semifinal and Final games. He also showcased his versatility by adding three assists and blocking two shots, demonstrating his potential impact on both ends of the court. Notably, he maintained a perfect free-throw shooting record and hit two three-pointers on three attempts, boasting a 40 percent shooting average from beyond the arc for the season.
Looking ahead
The Raptors are optimistic that Bamba can fulfill the role they have been searching for, adding depth to their center position behind Poeltl and Sandro Mamukelashvili, who started against the Magic. Fans eager to witness Bamba’s Raptors debut can tune in on TSN Sports or stream the game through NBA League Pass. The Raptors hope this new addition will bolster their rebounding efforts and contribute to their overall success this season.
