Despite being touted as the perfect replacement for Joel Embiid when he is not on the floor, Adem Bona has seen his 'DNP' record mount up quicker than the Philadelphia 76ers' injury list. Both Embiid and Andre Drummond's performance levels have been far superior to those of the sophomores. Nevertheless, given their recurring fitness issues, not providing Bona with any minutes could limit his effectiveness when he is next called upon.
The athletic center showed that he was more than capable of contributing positively to the 76ers' roster when granted the opportunity. During the final month of last year's campaign, Bona excelled in the starting lineup, averaging 15.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game.
However, with Embiid and Drummond being available for selection on a more consistent basis this year, and the fact that the latter is rolling back the years with a string of dominant performances in the paint, Bona's role has been limited.
Bona's heading to the Blue Coats
It could not be clearer that Philadelphia's head coach, Nick Nurse, has little trust in Bona. Could this be because of his proneness to fouling? Possibly. This is an area that has limited the UCLA graduate's minutes when he has been given a chance to impress. Bona has recorded four fouls in under 25 minutes of action on the court on four different occasions this season.
Undoubtedly, the 22-year-old must mature if he wants to nail down a regular spot in the rotation. Although not allowing Bona to feature at all will only come back to haunt the Sixers at a later date. Inevitably, due to his persistent knee issues, Embiid will require a period of rest this season. Additionally, history has shown that Drummond is unlikely to avoid injury for a full year. Bona needs minutes in a competitive situation.
Philadelphia assigned Bona -- as well as Justin Edwards -- to the Delaware Blue Coats in the G-League on December 15, according to Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports. This will allow the second-year center to stay conditioned, but will not provide him with the experience that he desperately craves at the highest level to be effective when his team requires his services.
Adem Bona and Justin Edwards have been assigned to the Delaware Blue Coats, per the Sixers.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) December 15, 2025
Adem Bona was a standout player towards the end of the Philadelphia 76ers' horrific 2024-25 campaign. Defensively and offensively, he showed glimpses of a player who was ready to play a vital role in the Sixers' rotation. Yet, Nick Nurse has opted for experienced heads over developing his younger athletes. If Embiid and Drummond fall to injury, as they have on many occasions in the past, the 76ers will be lacking a ready replacement -- due to their own decision-making.