The Philadelphia 76ers stashed Jonah Bolden, as the forward signed a three-year deal with Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Israel. Here’s why that was a mistake.
All eyes were on Markelle Fultz in the Summer League, but 36th-overall pick Jonah Bolden drew some attention due to his athletic play, great defense, and ability to stretch the floor. After struggling at UCLA for a season, he moved overseas to KK FMP Beograd, where he averaged 12.1 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 59.7 percent from the floor and 38.1 percent from 3-point range. He also took home the top prospect award from the Adriatic League, an award that current Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric also won.
Philadelphia 76ers
In the Summer League, Bolden did a little bit of everything. He averaged 8.7 points, 6.2 boards, 1.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks and his raw potential is a somewhat similar to that of Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot in his rookie year, although they are two very different players. Bolden spent time at the four and the five, but he was never afraid to step out and launch a three. He shot just 31.4 percent from three this summer, but his confidence is encouraging.
With the new format of the G-League, Jonah Bolden would have been a perfect candidate for a two-way contract. For comparison, look at the way TLC’s numbers skyrocketed after the All-Star break: he went from averaging 3.7 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists to averaging 11 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists as Brett Brown grew more confident in his developing game. Had TLC had time to develop his game in what was then the D-League for a few months, he would have come into the NBA a much more confident player.
Bolden would have a similar rookie season if he had the chance to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers. If the team let him spend most of the first half of the season dominating the G-League, his confidence would grow and he would be ready to be an impact player when he got to the NBA. Stuck overseas for at least this season, Bolden’s development will be stunted if he gets a two-way contract next year if he comes over.
Bolden has the tools to contribute in the NBA soon, especially if he were to get a few months of G-League ball under his belt. With Jahlil Okafor unhappy as the third-string center, Bolden could slide in and be a small-ball alternative at the five, as he showed he was capable of doing in Summer League. Additionally, he can play at either forward spot and would add a perimeter threat if his jumper gets more consistent.
Unfortunately, the Sixers did him no favors by signing Amir Johnson to a one-year deal. Nerlens Noel is gone, but there is still a logjam in the front court that would make it hard to give minutes to Bolden. That’s where the two-way deal comes in: Bolden would have the ability to come in and prove his worth as an NBA player if a player ahead of him needed rest or had an injury.
The Sixers wasted a good opportunity to help such a promising player develop and be around the team. Bolden’s solid play in the Summer League warranted a reward from Brett Brown and Bryan Colangelo. His defensive presence would have been valuable off the bench, especially considering second unit players like Dario Saric and Nik Stauskas are not consistent defenders.
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The silver lining is that Bolden will get regular playing time against grown men in Israel. But, the fact is that he showed in the Summer League that he will be able to hold his own against NBA competition. His performances showed that he deserves at least a shot at playing in the league this year, but the Philadelphia 76ers did him a slight injustice by sending him overseas. Hopefully, Bolden will be able to shine for Maccabi Tel-Aviv and come over before next season to play a role for Philly.