OKC Thunder: 4 second-chance players team could still trade for

Player the OKC Thunder could target No. 4) Mo Bamba

Last but certainly not least we have the former sixth overall pick from the 2018 NBA Draft, Mo Bamba.

Truly a favorite of mine in regard to underutilized players in this league, I am a huge advocate for the OKC Thunder to pursue the likes of the Orlando Magic center, and said as much in an article published just the other week:

"Despite not being able to find much playing time with the Magic rotation, as he’s been trapped behind the likes of Vucevic, Johnathan Issac, and Aaron Gordon in the frontcourt, in limited action Bamba has managed to showcase the many reasons as to why the franchise took a chance on him in the lottery not two years ago. Per 36 minutes, the young center saw averages of 13.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, and a whopping 3.5 blocks per game on 46 percent shooting from the floor and 35 percent shooting from deep in 2019-20. And sure, while many may suggest that per 36 averages are mere conversions and not reality — which, fine, you have a point — during the times in which Bamba actually did receive extended play during last year’s campaign, he managed to deliver. When logging 20-29 minutes in 2019-20, the former Longhorn saw averages of 10 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks a game on 52 percent shooting from the floor and an incredible 70 percent shooting from deep on 2.5 attempts."

All this considered, coupled with the fact that he’s still only 22-years-old and is a legitimate seven-footer with a 7-10 wingspan, I’d even be willing to give up a first-round pick (perhaps Golden State’s or Miami’s) to try and acquire him.

With the right opportunity and ample playing time, Bamba’s full potential could theoretically be unleashed. Perhaps that right opportunity is alongside SGA with the OKC Thunder.