The LA Clippers have been the focus of free agency news today. After beginning the day with the departure of Paul George, they proceeded to add Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, Kevin Porter Jr., Nicolas Batum, and most recently, center Mo Bamba. According to Adrian Wojnarowski’s report, the Clippers have signed Mo Bamba to a one-year contract. Bamba will serve as a backup center following Mason Plumlee’s move to the Phoenix Suns. Previously, Bamba played for the Philadelphia 76ers and before that, he was with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Last season, Mo Bamba averaged 4.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks with shooting percentages of 49% from the field, 39% from three-point range, and 68% from the free-throw line. His standout game came in a loss to the Miami Heat, where he scored 18 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, dished out 2 assists, and recorded 2 steals while shooting an impressive 87.5% from the field.
For Clippers fans, Mo Bamba represents a significant departure from previous backup center Mason Plumlee. Plumlee was known for his interior presence, lacked a jump shot, but excelled as a passer. Bamba, on the other hand, resembles Daniel Theis as a stretch five. Last season with the Clippers, Theis averaged 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists with shooting splits of 54% from the field, 37% from three-point range, and 76% from the free-throw line. While Theis contributed crucial moments for the Clippers, he was somewhat undersized as a backup center — an area the Clippers are hopeful Mo Bamba can address.
