The Chicago Bulls are facing a critical challenge at the center position as the 2025-26 NBA season looms. With Zach Collins sidelined for at least the first month due to left wrist surgery, the Bulls’ already thin frontcourt depth has taken a significant hit. Nikola Vucevic, the team’s starting center, remains a reliable offensive force, but at 35 years old and entering his 15th NBA season, his defensive shortcomings are increasingly apparent. Jalen Smith, at 215 pounds, lacks the physicality to handle the rigors of the position night in and night out, while rookie Matas Buzelis is better suited to small-ball lineups than anchoring the paint. Enter Mo Bamba, the recently released 7-foot center from the Utah Jazz, whose elite physical tools make him an ideal low-risk, high-reward addition to Chicago’s roster.
A Perfect Fit for a Pressing Need
Bamba, still only 27 years old, possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism that few players in the NBA can match. Standing at 7 feet with a jaw-dropping 7-foot-10 wingspan, a 9-foot-7 standing reach, and a 36-inch vertical leap, Bamba’s measurables are the stuff of basketball dreams. Selected 6th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2018 NBA Draft, Bamba was once heralded as a potential game-changer at the center position. While his career hasn’t lived up to that lofty billing—averaging just 6.6 points and 4.8 rebounds over 364 games—his physical gifts and skill set make him a compelling option for a Bulls team in desperate need of a rim-protecting presence.
With Collins out, Chicago’s frontcourt depth is razor-thin. Vucevic, while still an elite offensive center with his ability to score inside and out, has never been a strong defender, and his age only exacerbates this weakness. Smith, though versatile, lacks the bulk to battle traditional bigs, and relying on Buzelis as a small-ball five is a gamble head coach Billy Donovan would prefer to avoid. Bamba, on a veteran’s minimum contract, offers a low-cost solution with the potential to address these gaps.
What Bamba Brings to the Table
Bamba’s appeal lies in his ability to fill a specific role for the Bulls. While he’s not a long-term answer or a player who should be logging heavy minutes, his size and athleticism make him a natural fit as a backup center. He can take up space in the paint, provide rim protection, and offer some versatility on offense. During his college season at Texas, Bamba showcased the ability to stretch the floor, hitting 27.5% of his three-point attempts. Though his NBA three-point shooting has been inconsistent—peaking at 1.5 makes per game in 2021-22 with Orlando—he still forces defenses to respect his range, which could complement Vucevic’s interior-oriented game.
Defensively, Bamba’s potential as a shot-blocker is undeniable, even if his career average of 1.3 blocks per game falls short of expectations for someone with his physical tools. His ability to move well for his size and disrupt shots at the rim could provide the Bulls with a much-needed defensive anchor off the bench. Chicago’s current big-man rotation lacks anyone with Bamba’s combination of height, length, and mobility, making him a unique addition to the roster.
Low Risk, High Reward
Signing Bamba is a no-brainer for the Bulls. His release from the Jazz means he’s likely available for a veteran’s minimum deal, minimizing financial risk. While he may not live up to the expectations set by his draft position, Bamba doesn’t need to be a star to make an impact in Chicago. His role would be clear: provide depth, defend the rim, and stretch the floor in limited minutes. If he can deliver even modest production—say, 6-8 points, 5-6 rebounds, and a block or two per game—he could stabilize the Bulls’ frontcourt until Collins returns.
Moreover, Bamba’s youth and athleticism offer a sliver of upside. At 27, he’s still young enough to refine his game and carve out a consistent role in the NBA. For a Bulls team looking to compete in the Eastern Conference, taking a flyer on a player with his physical gifts is a low-risk move with the potential for significant reward.
The Bottom Line
The Bulls are in a bind with Zach Collins sidelined, but Mo Bamba represents a golden opportunity to address their frontcourt woes. His 7-foot frame, 7-foot-10 wingspan, and 9-foot-7 standing reach make him a unique addition to a roster lacking size and defensive presence in the paint. While he’s not without flaws, Bamba’s ability to protect the rim, stretch the floor, and provide depth at a bargain price makes him the perfect short-term cover for Collins. Chicago should act quickly to sign this towering talent before another team snatches him up. The Bulls may have just stumbled upon the giant they need to keep their season on track.