Former UCLA center Adem Bona, the 41st pick in the 2024 NBA draft, signed his rookie contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, the team announced.
The contract is reportedly worth $8 million over four years, with a team option in the final season. He was likely signed via the second-round pick exception, which was introduced in the new collective bargaining agreement last year.
He was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year last season as a sophomore after averaging 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.2 assists and 1.1 steals on 58.8% shooting from the field. He ranked second in blocks and third in field-goal percentage.
πΈπ―π―π²π¬π²πͺπ΅π΅π πΈπ―π―π²π¬π²πͺπ΅.
we have signed @adembona
full release: https://t.co/bNp35mA6of pic.twitter.com/QpFB7iDKP2
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 22, 2024
Bona debuted with the Sixers this month in summer league, averaging 5.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 blocks in eight games between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. He ranked sixth in blocked shots among all players in Las Vegas.
The 6-foot-10 standout had a strong showing this month, proving why the team selected him in the second round with his elite rim protection. He has also displayed great instincts to anticipate plays on defense and looks to be grasping coverages and other reads very well.
Bona is still a bit raw offensively but has the skill set on defense to impact games next season. His progression and development throughout his rookie campaign should be worth watching.
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