The Philadelphia 76ers have won their first two games to remain unbeaten with a 2-0 slate. That is an ecouraging start, as the team was still able to squeeze out a pair of wins despite their opponents outplaying them for the most part. Fortunately, they showed up when it mattered the most, culminating in their positive kick-off to the 2025-26 season.
Yet even at this early juncture, the team seems to have already stumbled upon a dilemma which people probably did not expect to rise to the surface this fast. And no, it is not about Joel Embiid despite his inconsistent play thus far. I am pertaining to the looming quandary that could be incumbent upon the coahcing staff when it comes to the player/s backing him up.
During their first two games, the 76ers have kept their options open for the backup center spot. With Dominick Barlow starting at power forward next to Embiid, Nick Nurse and his staff have gone to both sophomore big man Adem Bona and veteran center Andre Drummond.
Bona has seen his number get called first in their first two games, while Drummond barely even played in their season-opener. That being said, the former All-Star swiftly redeemed himself against the Hornets, ultimately turning out to be the biggest game-changer for the team in crunch time to help them finish their comeback.
The 76ers have a tough choice to make between Adem Bona and Andre Drummond
If we are talking long term, then the coaching staff should repose more trust and confidence, as well as the attendant increase in court time to Bona, who showed a lot of good glimpses late last season when he got more minutes.
However, the 76ers want to win now, and while two games are not conclusively telling as to anything, Bona has not played well to start his sophomore season.
Drummond barely even sniffed the court in their first game against the Celtics, but that is probably due to Boston trying to play five-out as much as possible. Against the Hornets, however, he was able to flash his imposing presence inside as probably the best rebounder in the league since he turned pro.
The veteran is also healthier this time around, unlike last season when he dealt with minor injuries left and right. Now, he looks more willing to absorb contact and jockey for position — something which he did not thrive in during the previous campaign.
There is probably no right or wrong choice for the 76ers between the two given how early we are into the season, but the fact that the backup center spot is already wavering this early is enough reason to talk about it. Both players have their own strengths, so for now, the coaching staff will probably play it by ear.