The Philadelphia 76ers debuted a preseason starting lineup that may ultimately be a sign of things to come. Starting at center was second-year big man Adem Bona, who saw a significant uptick in playing time toward the end of the 2024-25 regular season.
With injury concerns revolving around 76ers star Joel Embiid and a winnable position battle beyond him on the depth chart, the 76ers' first preseason lineup seemed to reveal Bona as the favorite for the backup center role.
Sixers starters for today:
— Harrison Grimm (@Harrison_Grimm) October 2, 2025
Tyrese Maxey
VJ Edgecombe
Kelly Oubre Jr
Dominick Barlow
Adem Bona
Philadelphia selected Bona, 22, at No. 41 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. He'd earned critical acclaim during his two seasons with the UCLA Bruins, winning the 2024 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award and the 2023 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honor.
Bona appeared in 58 games during his rookie year with the 76ers, averaging 15.6 minutes per game and showcasing his potential as a two-way player when his number was called.
2025-26 projects to foster a different environment, as Philadelphia is hoping to have Embiid for more than the 19 games he played in 2024-25. If that goal comes to fruition, then a vast majority of the minutes at center will likely go to the former MVP.
Bona can realistically win the battle with Andre Drummond for the role of backup center, however, and could thus start on a semi-regular basis if Embiid skips back-to-backs or misses time in general.
76ers have given Adem Bona chance to prove he's ready to be backup 5
Bona was solid throughout his rookie season, showing promise as a rebounder and shot-blocker. He compiled averages of 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 offensive boards, and 1.2 blocks in just 15.3 minutes per game.
Those numbers may not cause many second looks, but they translate to impressive marks of 13.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.7 offensive boards, and 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes.
Bona's playing time and production increased dramatically over the final month of the season. In 15 appearances after Mar. 9, he averaged 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.2 offensive boards, 2.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 28.4 minutes per contest.
It was a compelling display of Bona's ability to crash the offensive glass and redirect shots in the paint at potentially elite levels.
That combination of skills should help Bona hold his own against Drummond in the battle for the backup center role. Drummond has certain advantages over Bona, including experience and his proficiency as a passer, but rebounding and defense will be two deciding factors.
Bona may never reach the generational level of rebounding production that Drummond is able to muster, but if he can prove sufficient while playing at a higher level on defense, minutes should be made available to him.
If Bona makes the most of those opportunities, a larger role could prove inevitable. The unfortunate reality of Joel Embiid's NBA career is that he's missed at least 14 games in every season he's played, thus displaying how important it is for the 76ers' backup center to be ready to answer the call.
If history is a sign of things to come and the 76ers' first preseason starting lineup shares its importance, then Bona is in line for a golden opportunity to play big minutes in 2025-26.