The Orlando Magic have gotten off to a rough start to the 2021-22 NBA season with a 1-5 record. While it wasn’t the way that they wanted to start the year, no one was expecting them to end up being contenders. Despite the slow start, the Magic have seen an impressive start by center Mo Bamba thus far.
Through the first six games of the season, Bamba has averaged 13.7 points per game to go along with 10.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 blocks. In addition to his averages, Bamba has shot 50.8 percent from the floor overall and has knocked down 40.7 percent of his three-point attempts.
Due to his success early on this season, Bamba could be playing his way to being a valuable asset for the Magic. If they choose to sell ahead of the NBA trade deadline, there could be quite a bit of interest from other teams in trading for him.
Every contender would have interest in acquiring a 23-year-old center who can average a double-double, defend the rim, and step out and knock down a three. Those are the exact skill-sets that teams need in order to compete for an NBA Finals appearance. The Magic could be sitting on a gold mine of trade talent.
Bamba was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Everyone thought he would be a dominant young player, but instead he ended up struggling through his first three years. Finding a consistent role was difficult, but he also struggled to find himself as a player up until this season.
Assuming his recent play continues, Bamba is going to become an elite trade target around the NBA. Not only is he a good player right now, he is also capable of growing his game so much more. That potential should rise his value even more.
Expect to see Mo Bamba continue playing at a high level as the season moves forward. His start to the season is not a fluke, he is just finally putting everything together for the Magic. If this does continue, his name will be mentioned in trade rumors quite frequently when the deadline gets closer.
