The Toronto Raptors are looking towards the G League to alleviate their need for size.
Centre Mo Bamba is signing a one-year deal to join the Raptors after impressing in the G League Winter Showcase with the Salt Lake City Stars, Sportsnet can confirm.
According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, the deal is for the rest of the season but will not be guaranteed until Jan. 10.
ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to report the deal on Sunday.
Bamba, a sixth-overall pick by the Orlando Magic back in 2018, helped the Stars to a win at the Winter Showcase, beating the Raptors 905 — Toronto’s G League affiliate — with a 17-point, 12-rebound performance in the championship game.
The 27-year-old hasn’t suited up in NBA action this season but has dominated with the Utah Jazz’s G League affiliate, averaging 16.5 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks while shooting 54.4 per cent from the field and 37.7 per cent from three-point range in 14 contests.
He last laced up in the Association with the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers last season, averaging 4.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 32 games.
Before making his way to the NBA, Bamba was a top high school recruit and dominated in his lone year with the Texas Longhorns, leading the Big 12 in rebounds (10.5) and blocks (3.7) per game.
The Raptors (19-14) have struggled with centre depth this season as everyday starter Jakob Poeltl has dealt with lingering back issues, holding him to only 21 games so far.
