The Sixers have officially inked a deal with last month’s second-round draft pick Adem Bona. Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, the 41st overall pick was signed to a four-year, $8 million contract.
Bona has been an absolute standout during the Sixers’ Summer League campaign. Averaging four blocks and six rebounds a night, the 21-year-old excels at chasing down opponents to limit their shots and has shown a clear willingness to fight for the ball off the glass.
His speed, athleticism, and ability to read the floor are precisely what the Sixers will need during the regular season when Joel Embiid is not on the floor. Now, the UCLA center will have the opportunity to showcase his skills as part of the 15-man roster.
Bona is currently slated as the third-string big man behind veteran Andre Drummond. It’s notable that, a few years ago, Drummond was the same backup center who showed a young Paul Reed the NBA ropes. Bona offers a similar player profile to Reed, and will need work in some of the same areas – especially as he looks to up his offensive capabilities.
Bona should benefit well under the tutelage of one of the league’s all-time rebounders. And with Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George all on max contracts, the Sixers will likely look to him next season to take on the backup role in order to clear cap space.
For a second-round pick in an underwhelming draft class, the Sixers seem to have found a gold mine in Adem Bona. The young center will have all the tools he needs to become successful on an NBA roster and could be critical to the team’s success over the next four years.
