Why Magic’s Mo Bamba Deserves Credit For Tacko Fall’s Improved Shooting

Mo Bamba will some deserve credit, and blame, should Tacko Fall’s shot develop into a potent NBA weapon.

The Orlando Magic center told reporters on Friday he recommended Fall work with famed basketball-skills trainer Drew Hanlen in order to improve his game ahead of the 2019 NBA Draft, according to John Denton of the Orlando Magic’s website. Fall heeded the advice of Bamba, one of his closest friends, and enlisted Hanlen’s help.

Although every NBA team passed on Fall in the draft, he joined the Celtics in June on an Exhibit 10 contract and worked diligently to improve his shooting ahead of training camp, where he hopes to win the 15th and final spot on Boston’s roster.

Fall has caught some attention for his improved shooting range and accuracy, with fellow center Enes Kanter praising his skill recently. That’s why Bamba probably deserves some thanks.

“I recommended him to see (skills trainer) Drew (Hanlen), like I did before pre-draft (workouts), and now to see the evolution of his game just take off, it’s good to see,” Bamba said, per Denton.

Fall and Bamba might face off Friday at Amway Arena when the Celtics visit the Magic in Boston’s second preseason game.