7-Foot Center Signs Contract With Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are making moves! According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the team is signing 7-foot center Mo Bamba to a 10-day contract. 

This comes after Bamba’s impressive three-game stint with the Pelicans’ G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, where he dominated with averages of 20 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. 

With the Pelicans’ frontcourt looking thin, Bamba brings much-needed size, rim protection, and a spark of energy.

7-footer Mo Bamba has agreed to a 10-day contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports and Greer Love told ESPN. Bamba averaged 4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds for the Clippers this season before posting 21 points and 15 rebounds a game in the G League. pic.twitter.com/KNf96vRQPe

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 10, 2025

Drafted 6th overall in 2018 by the Orlando Magic, Bamba entered the league with unicorn potential—a towering shot-blocker who could also stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. 

While he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype, he’s carved out a role as a reliable backup center who can step into a starting role when needed. This season, he’s shooting a career-best 62% on two-pointers, and despite a dip in three-point efficiency, his career average of 35% from deep shows he’s still a threat from beyond the arc.

Now on his fourth NBA team, Bamba might have found the perfect fit in New Orleans. The Pelicans got an up-close look at his skills in the G League, and there’s real potential for him to grow into a long-term backup—or even a starter—for the team. 

This is a win-win situation for the Pels: Bamba gets a chance to prove he belongs in the NBA, and the Pelicans get a versatile big man ready to make an impact. 

Keep an eye on Mo Bamba—this could be the start of something special in New Orleans! 

Image - Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn