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Suns GM: Bamba better than Gobert at same age

Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Mohamed Bamba worked out in Phoenix on Saturday, and Suns general manager Ryan McDonough had some high praise for the big man.

"Mo had a really good workout," McDonough said, according to The Associated Press. "His wingspan, his standing reach, is off the charts. His ability to protect the rim I think will be elite at the NBA level, in addition to his ability to rebound the ball."

McDonough also said that "at 20 years old he's ahead of where Rudy (Gobert) was."

Like Gobert did in 2013, Bamba enters the draft process as a potential franchise defensive anchor at center. That year, Gobert registered a draft combine-record 7-foot-8 wingspan, which stood until Bamba's incredible 7-foot-10 mark.

The Suns hold the first pick in the June 21 draft and are expected to select center Deandre Ayton from down the road at Arizona. Bamba would probably be a reach at No. 1, but the New York native still didn't hide his desire to play in Phoenix.

"I do more and I require less," he said. "The Suns are more than a perfect fit for me."

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