The Cleveland Cavaliers had a simply stunning campaign last time out, winning 64 out of their 82 regular-season games to cement themselves at the summit of the Eastern Conference. Newly appointed head coach Kenny Atkinson crafted a perfectly balanced lineup that possessed size, speed, and a devastating scoring ability.
Mobley registered a career-high in points per game (18.5), in addition to being a constant pest on the glass and in the paint -- averaging 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. This contribution alleviated a huge amount of pressure on Cleveland's starting center, Jarett Allen, while also presenting an opportunity for Mitchell and Garland to concentrate their focus on offense.
With an over-reliance on franchise superstar Joel Embiid and a clear lack of depth in the front-court, the Philadelphia 76ers have an opportunity to mirror the Cavaliers' brilliant tactic and add a new dimension to head coach Nick Nurse's game plan.
Adem Bona could thrive in a new role for the 76ers next season
Adem Bona had to be patient for his chance in the rotation during his rookie year. After being selected by the 76ers with the 41st overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, the UCLA graduate had to wait until March 3 -- in a 126-122 victory versus the Utah Jazz -- to record more than 32 minutes on the court for his employers.
However -- in the limited minutes that he was granted by Nick Nurse and his coaching staff -- Bona showcased a wide range of impressive attributes that could enhance the Sixers' performances, on both sides of the ball.
Much like Mobley, the 22-year-old displayed a talent on the defensive end of the floor, with majestic athleticism and a wingspan of around 7-foot-3.75 inches. Bona's ability to protect the rim was one of his outstanding qualities throughout his rookie year, as he registered 1.2 blocks per game with a career-high five blocks during a matchup with the Toronto Raptors on March 31.
Not only will this create a more balanced roster for the Sixers, but it will also allow the franchise to partner the smaller guard pairing of Tyrese Maxey, who is slowly becoming the centerpiece of Philadelphia's roster, and Jared McCain on the floor without self-sabotaging their rebounding presence.
Around the rim, Bona's finishing is magnificent. At every opportunity, the Turkish international will vigorously slam the ball into the net, letting the opposition defense know that he takes no prisoners with aggressive celebrations.
Nevertheless, if Bona is to slot into a forward spot effectively, he must become more efficient as a spot-up shooter. If Mobley is the player that the position change is based around, then assessing the way he creates shots is vital. The 24-year-old averaged 3.2 chances from deep per game -- draining around 37%. Comparing this to the Philadelphia center, who averaged 0.1 3-point attempts per game.
Of course, this was Bona's rookie year, and opportunities were limited. Also, the vast majority of minutes featured him as a presence in the paint, with several players being considered as a more important option on offense. There is no doubt that he has all the foundational characteristics of an effective wing piece.