Clutch Points’ Proposed Trades: #1 – Milwaukee Bucks add Mohamed Bamba
In my opinion, the Milwaukee Bucks dealing DiVincenzo and Ojeleye for Mohamed Bamba makes the most sense of the four proposed trades for a number of reasons. Firstly, it gives the Bucks the rim protector they are desperately missing in the absence of Brook Lopez. Secondly, the cost to acquire him is bearable, the Bucks are plenty deep at guard and Semi Ojeleye has been underwhelming, to say the least.
Looking at Bamba there is a lot to be excited with what he could bring to the table, not only is he a huge 7’0 tall but his wingspan reaches nearly eight feet! His wingspan is measured at 7’10”, allowing him to average 2.0 blocks per game this season. Mo Bamba is posting a solid 1.1 defensive box +/- so far this season on a bad Orlando Magic team.
Not only would Bamba be a massive help on defense, but he is also cut from the same cloth offensively as Brook Lopez. Since coming to Milwaukee Brook Lopez has assisted the Bucks offense by being a reliable enough 3-point shooter to demand attention (and earn the nickname Splash Mountain) and being a tremendous free throw shooter. Mo Bamba would bring both of those things to Milwaukee as well, Bamba is a 35.3 percent 3-point shooter this year and also a 77.3 percent free throw shooter.
Not only could Mo Bamba help fill the void during the regular season while Brook is out, but he could also serve as a backup in the postseason for Brook and there would be no defensive letdown when Brook checks out. Moving back to the regular season, acquiring Mo Bamba would also allow Mike Budenholzer to rest Bobby Portis a bit who is currently averaging a career-high 28.6 minutes per game.
To me, Mo Bamba checks the most boxes and is the best fit, most cost-effective and his performance would aid the Milwaukee Bucks the most in their pursuit for another NBA Championship.