Utah signs former lottery pick after injury to Lauri Markkanen
The The Utah Jazz were in full tank mode recently, routinely pulling starters near the end of games in a shameless attempt to get a better draft pick, earning a hefty fine from the NBA in the process. Now that Lauri Markkanen can miss time after reportedly suffering multiple injuries in a recent practice, the team is looking to add frontcourt depth as the 2025-26 season progresses.
They are on Thursday continued those efforts by signing the former lottery.
“A 7-footer Mo Bamba signs 10-day contract with Utah Jazz, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports and Greer Love told ESPN. Bamba spent time with the Raptors earlier this season and averaged 17 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks for the Jazz’s NBA G League affiliate,” ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported on X, formerly Twitter.
Bamba was drafted sixth overall by the Orlando Magic in 2018 out of Texas. While he didn’t quite live up to his billing as a lottery-level big man, Bamba found a way to stay in the league for the better part of a decade, still using his size, athleticism and improved touch to be useful to multiple teams throughout his career.
Although he’s only on a 10-day contract for now, Bamba figures to have plenty of chances to carve out a long-term role in Utah over the next few games, with Markkanen likely to miss time and signing Jaren Jackson Jr. already ruled out for the rest of the season.
The signing comes as most Jazz fans have already turned their attention to the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, which is expected to be loaded with potential star talent. Last year, Utah drafted Ace Bailey, who has had a mixed rookie season so far, and hopes to add another blue-chip prospect in June.
2026-02-26 17:29:00
