New York Knicks: A way too early 2018 NBA Mock Draft

Texas Longhorns big man Mohamed Bamba has been cleared by the NCAA to play in 2017-18. The Harlem native will look to justify the Top 5 hype as the defensive anchor for Shaka Smart’s defensive powerhouse in Austin.

The New York Knicks may not need another big man, but it’d be irrational to ignore the potential dominance of a pairing of Bamba and Kristaps Porzingis.

With no hyperbole whatsoever, there may only be two players in the NBA whose physical gifts rival Bamba’s: Rudy Gobert and Porzingis. For those unfamiliar, Bamba stands at 7’0″ and 216 pounds with an astonishing 7’9″ wingspan and an absurd 9’6″ standing reach.

It goes without saying that, like Gobert and Porzingis, Bamba has the physical tools to become a genuinely elite defensive player and rim protector.

Offensively, Bamba has a raw skill set that includes a decent hook shot, improving mechanics on his jump shot, and impressive footwork for a player his age. He needs to add muscle to his frame, but he’s light on his feet and more skilled than he’s given credit for.

If the Knicks managed to pair Bamba with Porzingis, they’d have the most physically imposing combination of big men in the NBA.