1. Jonah Bolden
After seeing the court 44 times last season, Jonah Bolden has only stepped on the hardwood twice in the 2019-20 season. The decrease in playing time is a testament to both his talent and the Sixers’ depth at forward. The 24-year old is extremely raw and undisciplined, especially on the defensive end, but has flashed the potential of being a decent player down the road. Unfortunately for Bolden, the Sixers likely won’t be patient with his development.
After being bereft of a competent big man behind Joel Embiid last season, the Sixers now find themselves with a surplus of capable backups in Al Horford, Kyle O’Quinn, and, surprisingly, Norvel Pelle. The time Bolden had to showcase his talents last year is suddenly gone, and the Sixers don’t seem eager to give him minutes in the NBA, as they often assign him the Delaware Blue Coats of the G-League.
Consequently, Bolden is expendable. He is an intriguing enough prospect for a cellar-dweller to take a chance and see what he can do. Bolden can shoot the three at a respectable rate, is a capable shot-blocker, but he’s an extremely raw prospect with a ways to go before he’s a reliable NBA player. He’s also owed less than $2 million for the next three seasons, and the next two years not being fully guaranteed.
Philadelphia doesn’t seem to have long-term plans for Bolden, and he would likely be included in a package deal or traded for a draft pick.