Sixers’ Adem Bona approaches rookie season with exciting potential

Adem Bona looks like a promising second-round pick and he impressed in Summer League. So what could we expect to see from the Sixers’ new rookie big man in 2024-25?

It’s safe to say the Sixers are approaching the 2024-25 season with an improved center rotation. Behind 2023 MVP Joel Embiid, they’ve increased their depth by bringing back Andre Drummond — one of the top rebounders in NBA history who can help sort out the team’s struggles on the glass, and provide solid play at both ends when he’s engaged and keeps things simple on offense.

Then there’s the Sixers’ rookie addition, one of the top athletes in this year’s class who has potential to grow into a real two-way impact player off the bench.

As the 41st overall pick in this year’s draft, Adem Bona was widely regarded as a good selection for the Sixers. Fresh off averaging 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.8 blocks in 26.5 minutes per game at UCLA, Bona has arrived in the NBA with heaps of speed, lateral quickness, vertical explosiveness, and the energy of a prototypical, two-way backup big.

I’ve already written all about Bona’s performance in Summer League and looked at how he showcased his skillset there, so you can read/watch that piece for more. But from his strong screen setting and ability to roll to the rim…

To his mobility and rim protection on defense…

He has loads of budding skills that the Sixers could use — both now and long term, when Drummond (now 31 years old) is either no longer on the team or simply no longer the best option at backup center.

Bona has even been working on his corner three this summer, so you certainly can’t fault his efforts to work on expanding his game this offseason.

So, what does next season hold for Bona?

Drummond is around to hold down the backup center minutes for now, so from the start the team’s center rotation will likely be straightforward. Sure, Drummond has his flaws, like free throw shooting and an occasional tendency to try too much as a scorer offensively, plus lapses as a rim protector. He does plenty of things well, though, that make him a nice pickup this summer. Apart from his rebounding, Drummond’s often underrated passing, and ability as a screener and roller will all help. He was a quality backup for Embiid in his previous stint with the Sixers.

That said, it’s not too hard to envision scenarios where — perhaps in a couple months’ time — Bona earns spot minutes and occasional chances in the right matchups. If Drummond can’t keep up against smaller, quicker lineups and isn’t sharp enough defensively, this is where Nick Nurse may be more willing to experiment with a different look and embrace switchy athleticism with Bona.

Bona is the sort of big that, in time, could tick a lot of boxes to suit a coach with Nurse’s creativity. Even though Bona is somewhat undersized at center at 6-foot-8, he plays above it with his strength, bounce, and 7-foot-4 wingspan.

His ability to guard forwards and switch onto guards also bodes so well for smaller lineups. Plus, the Sixers can maintain more size at other positions as well now, thanks to adding wings like Caleb Martin and Paul George. The idea of embracing lineups with so much versatility at times is enticing.

For now, we just need to leave Bona to start developing with NBA coaching and training, and ideally thrive with the Blue Coats should he spend much time there. Rookie big men in particular need time to get up to speed with NBA rotations and defensive schemes, with their responsibility manning the paint. And even though Bona should find success by keeping his offensive role simple (screening, rebounding, rolling to the rim, and running the floor like a mad man), his limitations there in terms of passing and an obvious lack of range still mean he needs to prove he can deliver his strengths effectively at the NBA level first.

But if Bona can keep maximizing his elite athleticism, defensive versatility, and high-energy play on offense, his potential to become not just a second-round flyer but provide helpful NBA minutes is intriguing to say the least. I don’t think it would be surprising for it to start happening in his rookie season, either.