The 76ers’ other additions
Adem Bona, Center, UCLA
At pick 41, the 76ers selected Adem Bona. Bona’s is an athletic undersized energetic center. He measured 6’8” at the combine but don’t let that worry you. He couples that with a 7’4” wingspan and 40” vertical.
Is he wild? Yes. Will he turn the ball over? Yeah. Will he get in foul trouble? Likely, but who cares. He will battle for the backup center spot and will play in a limited role providing quality minutes while Embiid gets some rest.
His game is easily translatable to the NBA level and you don’t have to worry about hustle. He was the Pac-12 defensive player of the year ranking second in rebounding and blocks per game. He is mobile, offering different screen coverage options. He can trap, hedge, drop, and recover. He’s the one stop shop of defensive ability, and he can expel all his energy playing in a limited role.
Check him out!
You can make a case for Adem Bona as the No. 1 player in this class in several categories: explosiveness, ground coverage, intensity and defensive versatility -- valuable traits that could help him carve out a role early in his career.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 22, 2024
ESPN sleepers: https://t.co/ekEeVU2OdH pic.twitter.com/IR5hvbriwf
His activity is endless and that’s what Philly fans should expect. Offensively, he’s a rim runner, transition threat, and putback machine. He developed some solid low post footwork to create his own shot, but that is a supplementary piece to what he provides.
He’s a solid addition to the roster. His energy will excite the crowd as he’ll convert a lob pass or block a shot he had no business blocking to flip the momentum of the game. Great pick!