Adem Bona shows developing outside game in offseason workout

The Sixers’ second-round pick is putting in the offseason work ahead of next month’s training camp.

When the Philadelphia 76ers selected Adem Bona out of UCLA with the 41st overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, it was lauded by most evaluators as a solid choice. The Sixers were ready to move on from Paul Reed, and despite Andre Drummond’s acquisition, they were still in need of a long-term solution at the backup center position.

Bona was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and profiled as a classic rim-running big, ready to block shots and throw down slams on each end. We saw that profile in action during Summer League play, with Bona averaging 5.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks across eight games. I mean, plays like these will certainly work at the NBA level:

At the risk of sounding greedy, though, what if Bona could offer even more? Working out back in the UCLA gym this week, Bona posted video to Instagram of the work he’s putting in on his corner three game (his social guy needs to learn how to go portrait, it’s a rookie season for everyone, I guess).

Bona attempted a grand total of one three-pointer during his two years as a Bruin, and we didn’t see it in Summer League. However, at the risk of going full Ben Simmons offseason workout truther, Bona’s form looks good here. He shot 69.6 percent from the foul line last year, which isn’t outstanding, but also isn’t terrible for a big, so maybe there’s something to work with in regard to the jumper.

I don’t expect Bona to become a stretch big overnight, but hey, it’s September, indulge me in a little long-term optimism. Training camp needs to get here soon.