Former UCLA center Adem Bona has reportedly agreed to sign a four-year, $8 million rookie contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The organization likely signed Bona using the second-round pick exception, which was introduced in the new collective bargaining agreement last year. The contract will include a team option in the final year for the 2027-28 season.
Bona, the 41st pick in the NBA draft, was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year last season 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.
Philadelphia 76ers No. 41 pick Adem Bona has agreed on a four-year, $8 million rookie contract, per his management group Banner 1 and @RocNationSports. The UCLA center has averaged 6.3 points, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks in 22.7 minutes per night so far in 76ers’ Summer League action. pic.twitter.com/qRXBTPJlJo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 15, 2024
Bona debuted with the Sixers this month in summer league, averaging 6.3 points, six rebounds, 3.5 blocks and 1.3 steals in four appearances so far between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. He recorded eight points, seven rebounds and five blocks on Saturday.
The 6-foot-10 standout has had a strong start, showcasing 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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