Daryl Morey Finds Joel Embiid’s Backup, Adem Bona Selected With 41st Pick

The 76ers have selected Joel Embiid‘s backup with the 41st pick in Adem Bona. It is shocking that Bona fell all the way to the mid-2nd Round and he has a lot of potential.

If you viewed our Mock Draft from a few days ago, you would have noticed that we expected Philly to take Yves Missi with the 16th pick in the draft.

Adem Bona has a play style that is extremely similar to Missis’.

Bona is a 21-year-old, 6’9, 245-pound Center from UCLA. Despite his size, he is still able to be an outstanding athlete with skills unlike most big men. He has great speed, as well as a 40-inch vertical. His finishing around the rim is elite along with his ability to be a defensive anchor. Bona’s 7’4 wingspan helps him deflect shot after shot making him an elite defender.

In Adem Bona’s Sophmore season with the Bruins, he averaged 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal. His rebounding is decent, but due to his size, he should be dominating in the category. Embiid could help him improve upon this in his career with the Sixers.

Bona stated in his ESPN interview that it can be expected that shades of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who also comes from a Nigerian family, will be found in him. If Bona is half of Giannis in his career, he will still be a star for Philadelphia. Bona’s family are 76ers fans and he also said in his interview that he’s excited to meet Embiid.

Hopefully, the influence of two of the biggest stars in the Association will reflect on Bona’s time with the 76ers.

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