The Philadelphia 76ers just suffered a brutal blow, and the season hasn’t even begun. Adem Bona has suffered a foot sprain. However, he will be reevaluated in two weeks, just before the start of training camp. Even though the return timeline looks promising, this news shows just how shaky the 76ers’ depth is behind Joel Embiid. It’s just not good enough.
As of now, the only backup centers the 76ers have on the roster are Bona and Ariel Hukporti. Neither has a ton of NBA experience, and as the Sixers now know after this recent scare, they are one injury away from a pretty rough backup center pool. And obviously, Embiid doesn’t have the best injury history himself.
Philadelphia has an elite roster. It’s one of the most talented in recent NBA memory. But the 76ers also have one of the most injury-plagued centers in league history. And their backup centers aren’t nearly reliable enough.
Adem Bona injury scare proves 76ers don't have enough depth behind Joel Embiid
Injuries happen in the NBA. Few players understand that truth better than Embiid. He has missed a ton of games throughout the course of his career thus far.
In fact, despite having won an MVP, Embiid might be more well-known for how often he’s been off the court than for what he’s managed to accomplish when he’s been on it.
It’s an unfortunate reality, and when Embiid is healthy, he truly is one of the best centers in NBA history. But he’s not on the court enough for that to be the main focal point.
Now, heading into what may be the most important season of Embiid’s career, with more help than ever, the 76ers need to do whatever they can to support him.
But so far, based on the way they’ve filled out the roster behind him, they haven’t done that. Because Philly’s backup center rotation isn’t nearly experienced enough to support a guy who struggles to stay on the floor.
Bona played 17.4 minutes a night for the Sixers last year, but he wasn’t incredible. Meanwhile, Hukporti only played 9.2 minutes per game for the New York Knicks last season.
Neither has played enough NBA minutes to be prepared for a job like the one they are about to have in Philly this upcoming season. The Sixers need a vet to hold things down. Someone used to playing quality NBA minutes.
Plus, what if one of them gets hurt? The Sixers just endured a scare with Bona, and who knows how his injury is going to look at the start of camp.
It’s going to be a long season for Philly if it doesn’t fix its center depth problem.
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