- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,263,753
- Reaction score
- 59
Could it have been former UCLA BruinAdem Bona that led LeBron James to signing with the Philadelphia 76ers? Probably not, but the former Bruin is now teammates with the future first ballot Hall of Famer.
Bona just wrapped up his second NBA season earlier this year with the 76ers, where he backed up former league MVP Joel Embiid. Now Bona will get to be around another former league MVP, with James taking the veteran’s league minimum to head to Philadelphia.
So far into his NBA career, Bona has averaged 5.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. The 6’10” center has shown a clear ability to protect the rim despite playing only 16.6 minutes per game in his NBA career.
Despite playing in the reserve role, Bona ranked 18th in the NBA in blocked shots per game. If you’re looking at it on a per 100 possessions, Bona climbs to No. 9 in the NBA. Philadelphia’s biggest concerns next season will be their defense and their shooting. While Bona isn’t too much of a shooter, there’s a good chance he’s the team’s best shot blocker.
Injuries have zapped the mobility from Embiid, and with James being in his 40s, he’s not the defender he once was either. Creating a role for Bona even before you factor in that Embiid has not played 40 games in any of the three past regular seasons.
Bona is in the third season of his four-year rookie deal, meaning that he’s a cheap option at center for the 76ers, who are already dishing out big money to Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Adem Bona's rim protection could help out LeBron James and the 76ers
Continue reading...
Bona just wrapped up his second NBA season earlier this year with the 76ers, where he backed up former league MVP Joel Embiid. Now Bona will get to be around another former league MVP, with James taking the veteran’s league minimum to head to Philadelphia.
So far into his NBA career, Bona has averaged 5.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. The 6’10” center has shown a clear ability to protect the rim despite playing only 16.6 minutes per game in his NBA career.
Despite playing in the reserve role, Bona ranked 18th in the NBA in blocked shots per game. If you’re looking at it on a per 100 possessions, Bona climbs to No. 9 in the NBA. Philadelphia’s biggest concerns next season will be their defense and their shooting. While Bona isn’t too much of a shooter, there’s a good chance he’s the team’s best shot blocker.
Injuries have zapped the mobility from Embiid, and with James being in his 40s, he’s not the defender he once was either. Creating a role for Bona even before you factor in that Embiid has not played 40 games in any of the three past regular seasons.
Bona is in the third season of his four-year rookie deal, meaning that he’s a cheap option at center for the 76ers, who are already dishing out big money to Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Adem Bona's rim protection could help out LeBron James and the 76ers
Continue reading...
