Adem Bona was one of the few bright spots in a disastrous year for the Sixers, and the rookie center is eager to get an early start on next season tonight in the Salt Lake City Summer League, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Injuries to Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond and others created unexpected playing time for Bona, who appeared in 58 games, including 11 starts, while averaging 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per night.
“I’m going into my sophomore year,” he said. “You can only go up from here, like learning from mistakes and stuff like that. Yeah, I’m really excited to see what this upcoming year has to hold for the team and also being a part of it.”
Tonight’s game against the host Jazz features a matchup of top-five picks VJ Edgecombe, whom the Sixers took at No. 3, and Ace Bailey, who fell out of favor in Philadelphia after he canceled a scheduled workout in hopes of being selected by another team. Sixers fans will also get their first look at Auburn big man Johni Broome, a national Player of the Year candidate who was selected in the second round.
“I feel like our skill sets complement each other,” Bona said. “Me and Johni, we cannot wait to be able to share the floor together, to be about to operate on the low block together, high low, sometimes space the floor. So I think that’s the goal, to work together, to be able to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses and try to complement each other while we’re on the floor, and my goal is always to be able to help the team, even if I share the floor with Joel. I’m going to do my part.”
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- There has been “little to no movement” so far regarding restricted free agent guard Quentin Grimes and the Sixers, sources tell Kelly Iko and Tony Jones of The Athletic (Twitter link). Iko adds that the two sides “are hoping to continue communications” in the next few days. Grimes reportedly wants to average $25MM per season in his next contract.
- Signing Damian Lillard could help the Celtics return to title contention in 2026/27, states Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. A source tells Washburn that Boston is among the cities Lillard would consider and the team has interest in the high-scoring guard, who may not play this season due to a torn Achilles. Washburn recalls that Lillard didn’t want to join the Celtics when trade rumors began to surface a few years ago, but he has since developed a friendship with Jayson Tatum. Boston has the $5.7MM taxpayer midlevel exception to offer.
- Steve Popper of Newsday doesn’t believe the Knicks should get involved if the Lakers decide to trade LeBron James. Popper contends it would be a mistake to part with Karl-Anthony Towns or multiple rotation players to match James’ $52.6MM salary, adding that the team should preserve its resources in case Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available.