With a costly injury to the bench, the Philadelphia 76ers must look to their recent signings for help.
The Philadelphia 76ers were already thin at the center position, and now it may have gotten thinner.
Adem Bona, a player that was expected to be a major asset for the 76ers, has suffered a left foot sprain and could miss a bit of time. It’s going to be something to monitor when the team gets to training camp. Bona was injured during a FIBA game. Bona recently released a video that showed him working on his game for the upcoming season. It is a bit of a blow when the roster that was put in place is dependent upon the health of Embiid.
Bona was entering his third season with the team, and he showed some promise when Embiid was out. Bona appeared in 71 games last season, averaging 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 17.4 minutes per game. Bona had an infectious energy about him that allowed the team to move in a different way when he stepped foot on the court.
The 76ers will be a team that many expect to get to the playoffs, but all of it falls on their health. Due to the lack of centers, Philadelphia signed Tacko Fall, Emoji Bates, and Dillion Jones to exhibit 10 contracts. They will now have a better shot at making the team. While it is said that Bona may not be out long and could be ready for the Oct. 10 season opener, it’s going to be interesting to see how Philadelphia plays this out. They do still have one open spot on their roster that could be filled by one of these players.
If Bona does end up missing time, that could mean a different look for the second unit. There may be some alterations to the lineup, and they may have to go small ball. There may even be a chance to see if James will have some minutes at the center position if they truly want to give the small ball a chance.
Head coach Nick Nurse may have to show off that innovative mind many commend him for, considering this team was having their doubts at the center position.
With a team that's composed of players like Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and James, there will be many who feel everything will work out. But it only takes one weak link in the chain to have it all come crashing down, and for the 76ers, the center position is that weak link.
