Bad problems have served as an anchor for Adem Bona’s second-year development. However, on Saturday night he finally broke out and was able to boast his full capabilities in the Philadelphia 76ers’ win against the Dallas Mavericks.
Bona was limited to two personal fouls and recorded a near double-double of 10 points and eight rebounds in Philadelphia’s 121-114 win over Dallas. Poor discipline has minimized his role this season, making way for the return of Andre Drummond as Philadelphia’s primary backup center. But if Bona can avoid serious problems, it could open the door to more opportunities.
Heading into the 2025-26 season, many crowned Bona the 76ers’ second-best big man behind Joel Embiid. The UCLA product showed potential as a shot-blocker and rim-runner, totaling 13.4 points and 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes last year. Not to mention that Drummond seemingly lost a step, playing in just 41 games and struggling to make an impact on either end of the court.
Except the fourteen-year veteran grew more than the sophomore this season.
Drummond has flipped the script, averaging 7.5 points on 52.8% shooting from the field, 9.6 rebounds and one block in 27 games, all improvements from last year. He’s been more agile in several ways, whether it’s fighting for second-chance points or protecting the rim. Additionally, the center is shooting 41.7% from three-point range on 1.4 attempts.
Meanwhile, Bona has been dealing with the same struggles he faced in his rookie campaign: three-point shooting and foul trouble. Although the 22-year-old made his only perimeter attempt last night, he is attempting 0.2 triples this season, limiting his offensive impact. Bona has nevertheless given Philadelphia a boost on both ends of the court, using pick-and-rolls and explosive defensive rotations.
The only problem is that the second-year center’s contributions have been overshadowed by continued foul trouble, with him picking up three personal fouls in four of his last five appearances. Bona is prone to foul trouble due to his aggressiveness on the defensive end, often employing excessive contact guarding at the perimeter or in an attempt to deny entry passes.
As a result, Nurse relied on Drummond vo starting in Embiid’s absence and take on the majority of the backup center’s minutes. Despite Bona’s higher ceiling, Drummond offers the 76ers a better chance to win in most matchups. Still, the second-year center could be a crucial part of Philadelphia’s reserve unit.
His help defense was crucial in slowing the 76ers’ Cooper Flagg in the fourth quarter yesterday, who shot 2-6 from the field in the frame. Bona’s athleticism and speed allow Philadelphia to deploy more versatile coverages such as switching and hedging, schemes that Drummond can sometimes struggle to execute due to his mobility at 32 years old.
Bona may not be the 76ers’ primary backup center this season, but if he improves his raw discipline, his defensive skills could be crucial, as seen against the Mavericks. Once the sophomore overcomes this, it’s likely he and Drummond will get equal opportunities.
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