Mavericks: Is Mo Bamba a fit for today’s NBA?

One player the Dallas Mavericks will be considering in the draft is Texas center, Mo Bamba. But is the defensive dynamo a fit for today’s NBA?

The Dallas Mavericks took it on the chin when they drew the fifth pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Gone is the chance to select Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, and Marvin Bagley (all expected to be the top-3 selections) and into the murky waters of the second tier are the Mavs banished.

Among those in the second tier of the draft is former Texas center, Mohamad Bamba. The 7’0” big from Austin boasts extreme above the rim production, a 7’10” wingspan, and next level shot blocking ability.

He’s not without concern, though. Mo Bamba’s effort has been questioned on the court, as has his ability to physically stand up to the physicality of the NBA game.

These types of discussions are typical in any predraft analysis. Scouts will always be divided as they attempt to predict how players will transition to the professional game. But what’s becoming an “extra” concern for Mo, is his fit in the NBA game.

As many will argue, the NBA game is becoming a game without positions. Flexibility to do anything and play anything has been trending and some speculate there is no place for a traditional in-the-paint center like Mo Bamba in the game anymore.

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Talent is King

Watching Golden State play it’s easy to see why many prefer smaller more versatile lineups. But I’d argue the Warriors are the real anomaly, made possible by the brilliance of Draymond Green. Green may not look like a center, but he can play like one when he’s asked to. He’s so special and so rare, it would irresponsible to try to build a roster in Golden State’s image.

Clunky in-the-paint shot-blocking centers may not be as prevalent in today’s NBA, but they are as valuable as ever. Having a big who can enforce at the rim allows teammates to dedicate more attention to the three-point line.

Dominance is always valuable and if Mo Bamba can be defensively dominant, he can allow teammates to cheat and focus on other areas.

If the Mavericks’ scouts determine Mo Bamba can be a good player, they needn’t worry about his fit in the NBA. Trends come and go but talent always proves to be king.

The Dallas Mavericks have a need at center. They may choose to address it in free agency or in the draft (or possibly both). But dispel the notion that big men are a thing of the past. They are every bit as important today as they were in years past.

Next: The Mavs can still find a superstar at Pick 5

If Mo Bamba proves to be the best player available when Dallas goes on the clock, they would be wise to make him their selection. Besides, it’s better to start a trend than to chase a trend.