{"id":170995,"date":"2025-12-29T16:19:33","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T21:19:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=170995"},"modified":"2025-12-29T16:19:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T21:19:33","slug":"raptors-hand-mo-bamba-two-week-tryout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/12\/29\/raptors-hand-mo-bamba-two-week-tryout\/","title":{"rendered":"Raptors Hand Mo Bamba \u2018Two-Week Tryout\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

TORONTO \u2013 The Toronto Raptors<\/a> signed veteran big man Mo Bamba<\/a> to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported the move.<\/p>\n

Raptors Hand Mo Bamba \u2018Two-Week Tryout\u2019<\/h2>\n

Recent Production and Background<\/h3>\n
\"Nov
Nov 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) during player introductions befor playing the Brooklyn Nets at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bamba averaged 16.5 points and 12 rebounds for the G League\u2019s Salt Lake City Stars. Last season, he played for the Clippers<\/a> and New Orleans. He averaged 4.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 12.9 minutes per game across 32 appearances.<\/p>\n

Why Toronto Made the Move<\/h3>\n

Mo Bamba brings much-needed size to the Raptors\u2019 frontcourt. Toronto ranks in the bottom ten in rebounding, sitting 24th<\/a> league-wide. The Raptors are playing without center Jakob Poeltl<\/a>. He has sat out five of the last six games with a lower back injury.<\/p>\n

With Poeltl moving in and out of the lineup, the Raptors have searched for frontcourt depth. They have leaned on Sandro Mamukelashvili<\/a> for backup minutes. Bamba adds elite length and rim protection. That skill set could prove useful if Poeltl misses more time.<\/p>\n

A Short Evaluation Window<\/h3>\n

The deal becomes guaranteed on January 10. The structure gives the Texas alum roughly two weeks to showcase his value.<\/p>\n