Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona has been labeled by Bleacher Report as the team's hidden gem.
When Joel Embiid is out, the Philadelphia 76ers' center minutes are shared between second-year big man Adem Bona and veteran Andre Drummond.
Embiid has missed quite a lot of time this season, which has led Drummond to start in 20 games while Bona has started in just 4. Some would argue 76ers coach Nick Nurse is making the wrong decision by starting the experienced Drummond over Bona.
This includes Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz, who named Bona as the team's hidden gem.
"Adem Bona was the 41st overall pick in the 2024 draft and has become a productive big man off the bench for the Philadelphia 76ers," Swartz wrote. "The 22-year-old puts a ton of pressure on the rim on both ends, as he's averaging 1.3 blocks in just 16.3 minutes this season while holding opponents to 55.1 percent shooting. For comparison, teammate Andre Drummond is giving up 71.0 percent shooting on an identical 3.3 defended shots at the rim per game."
"Bona has 100 career dunks in 103 career games and is shooting 65.6 percent overall in his young career," Swartz concluded.
Bona and Drummond had impressive showings in Thursday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks, as the former recorded nine points, seven rebounds, and four blocks compared to the latter's 10 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks. On the season, Bona is averaging 4.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks on 58.1% shooting in 46 games played.
The reality is Drummond and Bona serve different purposes as support options to Embiid.
Bona is the more youthful, athletic option for Nurse to go with, as he can move very well in transition. However, he possesses no threat of outside shooting and lacks playmaking chops.
Meanwhile, Drummond, a two-time All-Star, knows the game inside and out, remaining one of the best rebounders across the association. He lacks athleticism and the ability to play in transition at times, but makes up for it by being able to knock down an occasional three-pointer.
It's clear Bona, however, does not always get the credit he deserves.
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