Officially signed! Goodbye, NBA! The 2.39-meter wingspan big center

Bamba has secured a new position, signing with the Serbian basketball club Partizan Belgrade, with a possible net income over $2 million.Previously, after this year's NBA preseason concluded, the Jazz promptly released Bamba.

According to reports from domestic media,some CBA teams were also keen on acquiring Bamba, but their salary proposals were somewhat less than that offered by Partizan Belgrade.

Born on May 12, 1998, Bamba is now 27 years old, standing 2.13 meters tall with a 2.39-meter wingspan. He is a big center drafted 6th overall in the 2018 first round. His physical gifts are historically remarkable, but due to limited progress in basketball IQ and skills, he was eliminated after just seven years in the NBA.

Although he looks fierce and intimidating, often perceived as a tough interior defender, he was actually obsessed with three-point shooting. During the 2021-22 season with the Magic, he attempted 4 three-pointers per game, making 1.5 with a 38.1% accuracy. Throughout his NBA regular season career, he averaged 0.8 three-pointers made per game at a 35.6% shooting rate, with averages of 6.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.

With Bamba’s physical talent alone, if he had focused on being a solid role player who excels at finishing near the rim, protecting the paint, and rebounding, he could have earned a multi-million dollar NBA contract. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

His static and dynamic athletic abilities are flawless.

Many have doubted whether Bamba can perform well in overseas leagues, but such doubts may be unfounded. While he struggled in the NBA, he can dominate in leagues below NBA level. In the 2024-25 G League season, he averaged an impressive 21 points, 14.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game, shooting 51.7%, 43.5%, and 66.7% in three key efficiency categories.

Over his entire NBA career, Bamba earned approximately $39.15 million in salary. He has played for the Magic, Lakers, 76ers, Clippers, and Pelicans, though his preseason stint with the Jazz does not count. Midway through the 2022-23 season, the Lakers acquired Bamba from the Magic, and many believed they had found the next Howard or O’Neal. However, that hope proved to be wishful thinking.

What else can be said? Wishing Bamba the best of luck on his new career path—playing in the NBA is not the only way to realize one’s life value.