Philadelphia 76ers backup center Adem Bona found himself in an unusual position for a second-round pick last season. As the injuries continued to mount for the Sixers, Bona found himself not only thrown into a reserve role but also starting 11 games for the team.
During the offseason, Bona, who moved to Turkey from Nigeria when he was 13 and even began his professional career there with Istanbul Basket, joined the Turkish national team in EuroBasket, serving as the backup center. With Bona's help, the team would claim silver, an especially impressive accomplishment as Turkey had not medaled since before Bona was born.
"This experience has been amazing for me," Bona told Philly Sports Network. "To be able to play that level of basketball, also playing the style of basketball, which is completely different from what I'm used to. Trying to adapt and incorporate my style of play to the style of play over there, I would say, to grow and learn, experience, and also playing in games with a high stake.
"Every single game matters, every single play that's in the knockout stage," he continued. "I think that's really exciting. It kind of prepares me for what's to come in the NBA, where we play for higher-stakes games where every play, every second matters. So I would just say that was a kind of preview and [a] really good experience for me this year."
Bona's growth has been noticeable to the rest of the Sixers. Between the team's Media Day and shortened training camp, several teammates and head coach Nick Nurse spoke up about the difference they've seen in the young center.
He looks amazing," Andre Drummond said of Bona. "He's come back, he's a lot stronger, he's faster. Apparently, he's jumping two inches higher than he did last year. Not that he needed that, but he's he's looking more athletic, so I think he's gonna be, he's gonna be a very big help for us this season.
"There was nothing wrong with Adem's game," Drummond continued. "It was more so his confidence. And I think now that he's had the experience of a full season, him playing at the Olympics, and him coming back now, I can see it night and day. His confidence is high. He doesn't think twice when he gets the ball. He knows exactly what he wants to do defensively. He's more aware. So again, I think [he's] gonna be a very big help for us this season."
After the team's opening day of training camp, Bona's teammate Tyrese Maxey and head coach Nick Nurse also sang his praises.
"Yes, 100% I think the Euro stuff really put his confidence on another level," Maxey said. "He's just playing a lot more. I feel like he's catching the ball a lot better. He's protecting the rim like he always does, but he's more vocal, he's more confident. You can see him smiling a little bit more. That's when you know somebody feels comfortable."
"He's a much different player than he was day one a year ago," Nurse said. "That's for sure. Obviously, he got a lot of court time last year, which enabled him to grow. He had an amazing summer. He's gotten stronger. He's breaking all the weight room records in there. He's really, really looking good. He was a wide-eyed rookie a year ago, and he was not that today, by any stretch. He played good."
The Sixers will surely rely on Bona in some notable capacity this season. Between the continued uncertainty around Joel Embiid's health, the team's renewed desire to once again be considered among the East's elite, and the different skillset he brings to the game as opposed to Drummond, Bona will have the opportunity to show how much he's truly grown.
