The New Orleans Pelicans have signed veteran center Mo Bamba to a 10-day contract, NBA insider Shams Charania reported Monday.
Bamba, a 7-footer, brings additional size and rim protection to a Pelicans team struggling near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
The 26-year-old last played for the Los Angeles Clippers before being traded to the Utah Jazz on February 1, only to be waived the following day.
This season, Bamba has averaged 4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in limited minutes with the Clippers. He has since played in the G League, where he recently posted impressive numbers of 21 points and 15 rebounds per game.
New Orleans, sitting at 17-48, is on the brink of postseason elimination and has been searching for help in the frontcourt. Injuries and inconsistent play have left the team shorthanded, making Bamba an intriguing addition for at least the next 10 days.
With his length and shot-blocking ability, Bamba could provide a defensive presence in the paint while also spacing the floor with his occasional three-point shooting. His best NBA season came in 2021-22 with the Orlando Magic when he averaged 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
