NBA center Mo Bamba Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

76ers sign former lottery pick in free agency

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 7/5/23

The Philadelphia 76ers are adding a former lottery pick to their frontcourt.

The Sixers and Mo Bamba have agreed to a one-year deal, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday. Woj noted that the franchise is planning to re-sign Paul Reed, but Bamba would give them depth in the case they are unable to retain their backup big man.

Philadelphia is bringing in Bamba with the intention of keeping restricted free agent Paul Reed, but Bamba gives the Sixers some security behind Joel Embiid if they do lose Reed. https://t.co/8CCl5C71OY

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2023

Bamba was the No. 6 overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2018 NBA Draft. He spent four-and-a-half seasons with the Magic before he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers prior to February’s deadline. Bamba did not see much action for the Lakers post-trade, as he played in just nine games with them. He missed time due to foot and ankle injuries.

Bamba’s best statistical season came when he served as Orlando’s starting center in 2021-2022 while averaging 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.

Bamba offers some appeal as a 7-foot-tall big man who can make threes at nearly a 36 percent clip.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: