Boston Celtics: 3 ‘finishing touch’ role players to trade a draft pick for

Boston Celtics target #3: Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic

Here comes the Mo Bamba agenda Hardwood Houdini has become famous for in the last few years.

Has it ever made more sense for Bamba to be dealt than right now, though?

Originally drafted in 2018, Bamba used to contest with All-Star Nikola Vucevic preventing him from finding his footing on the floor. Last season, in a rebuilding move, the Magic dealt Vucevic away to the Chicago Bulls…seemingly opening the door for Bamba. Right?

Wrong. Wendell Carter Jr. was the primary asset returned in the deal, forcing Bamba back to the bench.

Now, you may be saying to yourself, “but wouldn’t he be on the bench in Boston too?”, and that’s a legitimate question. The answer is yes, but not as much. Given the NBA’s return to a full schedule in 2021-22 and the recent wear and tear players have had to endure (particularly for the Cs, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets), it’s probable Ime Udoka will want to not wear out injury-prone center Robert Williams.

Bamba could be a part time starter at center, assuming Al Horford remains on the second unit. Of course, training camp will dictate what the pivot rotation will look like.