Orlando Magic rookie center Mo Bamba is very close to Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard, who he has revealed is like a big brother to him.
Bamba has only been in the NBA a few months, however, his relationship with Leonard began seven years ago. The players got to know each other through Bamba's older half-brother Sidiki Johnson, a former top-100 college recruit. And Leonard immediately took a liking to the youngster, who rightly predicted would make it to the NBA one day.
"He made it to the NBA. We all had high hopes for him and I remember him saying that he was going to get here (to the NBA),’’ Leonard said after the Raptors beat the Magic on Tuesday, via NBA.com. "I’m really proud of him for making it (to the NBA) and being a top-10 pick. He looks comfortable and looks like he belongs here. He’s playing with confidence, shooting the ball well and doing a good job of helping on the weak side of the defense by blocking shots. He’s doing really good.’’
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Bamba's brother was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of second-degree and third-degree armed robbery charges. And he says that Leonard stepped up to fill the big brother role while his biological sibling was locked up.
"After my brother went away for a while, Kawhi reached out to me. He just kind of stepped up and played the big brother role for me,’’ the No.6 overall pick explained. "He’s always been a family friend for us.’’
Bamba could someday become as dominant a player as Leonard is. But he still has a whole lot to learn, something that should be markedly easier with an NBA champion, two-time All-Star and former NBA Finals MVP as a mentor.
"His hands are way bigger than mine,’’ Bamba says. "I just love how multi-dimensional he is and how he is so driven offensively and defensively.
"He doesn’t really like the mainstream attention, but he’s a really cool dude. Every now and then, he’ll check up on me and see how I am doing.
"He’s a guy who has always kind of been there for me. I’ve just picked his brain about basketball and everything and he always told me that he was there to help if I ever needed anything. That was just kind of the relationship that we’ve always had.
"I was planning on spending a portion of last summer with him, but pre-draft (workouts) were crazy. We’ve already talked a little about training together in San Diego. Spending a couple of weeks or a few days with him, I think it would be great for me."
What This Means
Bamba is averaging 6.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game so far this season. But much more is expected from the 20-year-old as he develops.
He already has the physical capabilities to become a dominant force in the NBA, standing at 7ft with a wingspan of 7ft 10in. And the fact that he's close friends with a guy like Leonard does give him an advantage.
The Magic will hope that the already accomplished Raptors star will help their youngster reach his full potential. But he also has the luxury of time being on his side.
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