As the New York Knicks gear up for the 2025 NBA season, they find themselves in a position of flux with several key roster decisions to be made. One of the most pressing concerns for the Knicks heading into the new season is the state of their frontcourt, especially the center position. Following the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein to free agency and the injury to Mitchell Robinson, New York has been left with a gap in their big-man rotation.
While the Knicks have a solid core of players, including the ever-reliable Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and RJ Barrett, it is clear that the team still needs to add depth and experience in certain areas. With the uncertainty surrounding the health of Mitchell Robinson, and the fact that the team lacks an established backup center, the Knicks have been urged by fans, analysts, and insiders alike to sign veteran center Mo Bamba. The 26-year-old big man, recently waived by the Utah Jazz, could be a valuable addition to the Knicks as they head into the season.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why Mo Bamba could be the perfect fit for the Knicks, his career trajectory, the potential risks and rewards, and how this signing could bolster New York’s chances in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Mo Bamba: A Look at His Career
Mo Bamba, a 7-foot center, entered the NBA with a lot of hype. A standout at the University of Texas, Bamba was known for his incredible shot-blocking ability, length, and potential as a versatile defensive presence. Selected by the Orlando Magic with the 6th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Bamba’s early years in the league showed promise, but his progress has been somewhat inconsistent.
During his time with Orlando, Bamba demonstrated flashes of elite rim protection, averaging 1.7 blocks per game in the 2021-2022 season. However, his offensive game has always been a work in progress. Despite a solid 3-point shooting percentage, Bamba struggled to assert himself offensively, often failing to put together consistent performances. He played a similar role with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2024-2025 season, although his time with the Lakers was brief, and his role was not as impactful as many had expected.
By the time he joined the Philadelphia 76ers, Bamba’s status as a rotational piece seemed solidified, but he never really broke out as a star. Through his career, Bamba has consistently shown his worth as a defensive anchor, and his size, wingspan, and shot-blocking ability give him a unique skill set. However, his inconsistency on offense has limited his role on competitive teams, and now, as he enters his 26-year-old season, Bamba is once again a free agent after the Utah Jazz waived him in February 2025.
The Knicks’ Current Roster and Needs
The Knicks enter the 2025-2026 season with a solid roster but with key uncertainties, particularly in their frontcourt. While the team is buoyed by the talent of their star players, including Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson, their center position has been in flux for the past few seasons. Mitchell Robinson, one of the league’s better rim protectors, has faced injury concerns that have impacted his consistency, and his injury history is now a lingering question mark heading into the season.
New York’s backup center role has been a revolving door, with no true answer to the question of who will provide reliable minutes behind Robinson. While players like Isaiah Hartenstein were brought in to fill this void, Hartenstein’s departure and Robinson’s injury woes have left a significant gap. The Knicks need to bolster their depth at the center position, especially in a year where they’ll be vying for a high playoff seed in a stacked Eastern Conference.
Signing a player like Mo Bamba would not only provide a reliable backup for Mitchell Robinson but also give the Knicks another defensive option to throw at opponents. With teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat bolstering their rosters, the Knicks can’t afford to go into the season with any weaknesses.
Why Mo Bamba Makes Sense for the Knicks
There are several reasons why adding Mo Bamba would make sense for the Knicks, especially given the team’s current needs and roster construction.
- Defensive Impact: Bamba has long been known for his shot-blocking and ability to alter shots in the paint. His length and athleticism make him a formidable defender at the rim, and his shot-blocking ability could significantly impact New York’s defense. If Mitchell Robinson’s injury continues to affect his ability to play heavy minutes, having a backup like Bamba would allow the Knicks to maintain a high level of rim protection.
- Cost-Effective Option: Given the Knicks’ salary cap situation, signing a veteran like Mo Bamba to a minimum contract would be a cost-effective way to address their center depth. Bamba is not a player who demands a large contract, and at this point in his career, he would likely be open to taking a one-year deal to prove his value. A low-risk, high-reward signing, Bamba could fill the center role without eating into New York’s salary cap flexibility.
- Experience and Potential Upside: Bamba has been in the league for several years and has played with some of the best teams in the NBA. His experience with the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers, along with his brief stints with high-caliber teams, gives him valuable insight into playoff-level competition. He also has the potential to unlock more of his offensive game under the right coaching staff. While he may never become a scoring juggernaut, the Knicks have enough offensive talent to allow Bamba to focus on what he does best: protecting the rim.
- Filling the Gap: The Knicks need to add depth at the center position. While New York has solid depth in other areas, they lack a true backup center who can step in and contribute immediately when Robinson is sidelined. Bamba offers them that option and gives them someone they can rely on for 10-15 minutes per game, allowing them to keep Robinson fresh and healthy over the course of a long season.
Risks and Challenges
Despite the upside, signing Mo Bamba is not without its risks. His offensive game remains a question mark, and his consistency has been a major issue throughout his career. The Knicks would need to find a way to maximize Bamba’s strengths while minimizing his weaknesses.
Additionally, there’s the question of Bamba’s ability to mesh with New York’s system. The Knicks, under head coach Tom Thibodeau, are known for their defensive schemes and team-oriented play. Bamba would need to buy into this system and be willing to accept a limited offensive role. If he does not adjust, he could find himself buried on the bench, as he has on other teams.
Conclusion
As the Knicks prepare for the 2025-2026 season, adding a player like Mo Bamba could prove to be a smart move. With uncertainties surrounding Mitchell Robinson’s health and the team’s overall frontcourt depth, Bamba’s shot-blocking ability and defensive prowess would provide much-needed support. His potential for growth on offense, combined with the opportunity to play for a contender, makes him an intriguing option for New York.
While Bamba’s signing may not be a game-changer, it would certainly address a need for the Knicks and provide them with the depth and flexibility they need to navigate the challenges of a highly competitive Eastern Conference. With the right fit, Bamba could emerge as a valuable contributor, and New York would be wise to take a chance on the veteran center.
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