With NBA media days and training camps now underway, teams are still making last-minute adjustments to their rosters. Among the players securing deals at this stage are those likely receiving Exhibit 10 contracts, positioning them to participate in the NBA G League or potentially vie for a spot on the main 15-man roster. This scenario currently applies to former Los Angeles Lakers center Mo Bamba, who recently signed with the Utah Jazz.
At 27 years old, Bamba faced a challenging offseason with minimal interest during NBA free agency. His only other prospects appeared to be overseas, particularly in the EuroLeague, but he chose instead to pursue another opportunity within the NBA, expressing his resolve to continue competing at the highest level. Yet, securing a permanent spot on the Jazz roster will be a formidable task. The team already boasts strong frontcourt talent, including Walker Kessler, Kyle Filipowski, Jusuf Nurkic, Lauri Markkanen, Oscar Tshiebwe, and Kevin Love.
Last season, Bamba split his time between the Los Angeles Clippers and the New Orleans Pelicans. Across 32 games, he managed to average 4.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 12.9 minutes per contest. He also spent some time in the G League with the Birmingham Squadron, indicating his willingness to work his way back to the NBA.
Bamba, initially drafted sixth overall by the Orlando Magic, joined the Lakers briefly last season after a trade. However, his stint in Los Angeles was limited to nine games, with his role reduced significantly. Having originally entered the league with high expectations, Bamba has struggled to consistently deliver on his potential.
While his future in the NBA remains uncertain, Mo Bamba’s decision to continue his journey with the Utah Jazz demonstrates his commitment to proving himself again. Despite a challenging path ahead, the determination shown by Bamba could still resonate with teams seeking to bolster their rosters, highlighting the resilience many athletes need to maintain their NBA dreams.