The Philadelphia 76ers selected UCLA big man Adem Bona with the No. 41 pick in the 2024 NBA draft as they did end up making both selections. It was a bit of a surprise when considering the Sixers are a title contender, but they got a good player with both picks.
Bona was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore with the Bruins and averaged 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. The energy he plays with makes him a potential backup to Joel Embiid for the long-term and he is also somebody who could play in some lineups with Embiid.
Speaking to reporters after being selected, Bona gave his reaction to joining the Sixers and he singled out Embiid:
I can’t wait to get there. To get to work. I’m so excited to be there. Actually, my older brother is a Philly fan. He’s really excited right now, probably. he’s back home in Nigeria watching. I can’t wait to be there, man. I’m also getting the opportunity to meet Joel Embiid.
"I can't wait to get there to get to work… I'm so excited to be there."
Adem Bona is exuberant after being selected 41st overall to the Sixers 😅 https://t.co/7kUoEcuSuv pic.twitter.com/iOwrN95DNB
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) June 27, 2024
This is a great opportunity for Bona now to continue his NBA career and the Sixers will now look to move on to the next phase of the offseason. Free agency is set to begin on Sunday at 6 p.m. EDT and they figure to be one of the more active teams when considering the cap space they possess.
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