Not much can go wrong in the preseason. Realistically speaking, the only bad thing that can happen is an injury. And unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to the Philadelphia 76ers in their preseason contest. Ariel Hukporti went down with a non-contact injury, and it looks like it could be an Achilles rupture. That would make Adem Bona more important than he was going to be.
The 76ers were already heading into the season with some pretty rough center depth. Behind Joel Embiid were only Hukporti and Bona. But now, it looks like Hukporti could potentially be out for the rest of the season. At least, that’s the worst-case scenario. And if he does end up missing the entire year, then the 76ers will be banking on a great season from Bona.
Bona appeared in 71 games for the Sixers last year, but he still has a ton of room to improve, especially if he’s going to be the team’s full-time backup center.
Ariel Hukporti situation puts all the pressure on Adem Bona
Last year was Bona’s second season in the NBA. In his 17 appearances, he played 17.4 minutes per contest and started 18 games. Bona averaged 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while shooting 59.5% from the field.
The stats weren’t awful. On paper, it looks like Bona is a pretty decent option. But for the second center on a contending team? Not exactly ideal. Bona needs to take a leap.
Bona struggled with his defensive timing at times, biting on too many pump fakes and getting out of position too often. And he could stand to improve that efficiency, too, especially for a guy who doesn’t shoot shots away from the rim.
Hukporti hasn’t been a regular NBA rotation piece up to this point in his career. But it’s always looked like he has the juice to be more than he was given the chance to be.
This could have been an incredible season for Hukporti. He could have had the chance to thrive as one of the top backup center options on one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.
But now, the pressure is on Bona. If he can take a step up this season, then it could lead to big things not only for the 76ers, but for Bona himself.
A new contract down the line. An improved role. More trust from Nick Nurse and the coaching staff. With Embiid’s injury history, the Sixers need a dependable backup. It looks like Bona is going to be the man for the job.
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