Philadelphia 76ers backup big man Adem Bona shared his unfiltered reaction to finding out that LeBron James is joining their franchise.
It’s been over a month since LeBron’s decision to join the 76ers, but the hype among fans and the 76ers locker room still makes it feel as fresh as possible.
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While Philadelphia is engulfed in LeBron-Mania ahead of a season with championship expectations, 23-year-old center Bona is extremely excited about the opportunity in front of him.
Bona was interviewed by NBA Europe, who asked him what his reaction to LeBron joining the 76ers was, with the center revealing he nearly lost his voice screaming in excitement.
“I just started screaming at the top of my voice in the car. We just started jumping in the car, and the car started like moving, bouncing, literally.”
Bona averaged 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks as a rookie last season.
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He played crucial minutes for the 76ers alongside an assortment of other big men, but he is expected to have a much bigger role this season.
LeBron is well-known for guiding young players in the direction they need to go to fulfil their potential, with his five-year partnership with Austin Reaves the best example of the success one can have if they follow LeBron’s directions without debating.
If Bona can embrace the veteran guidance around him and apply it to himself, he could emerge as a long-term star and a potential Joel Embiid replacement in the future.
Even with Brown and Embiid being 10+-year veterans in the NBA, they are both a decade younger than LeBron. Everyone on this squad is a young player compared to James, and they should embrace James’ wisdom ahead of a big season.
Bona, in particular, has a unique opportunity to shine. Embiid will be carefully load-managed in the regular season, guaranteeing that Bona will receive consistent opportunities to earn a rotational spot.
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Last season, the 76ers had other emergency big man options behind Embiid, like Andre Drummond, Dominick Barlow, and Trendon Watford, alongside Bona.
Only Barlow remains on the squad, with the 76ers also adding Knicks champion Ariel Hukporti.
Barlow and Hukporti likely will be behind Bona on the totem pole, given Bona’s speed and athletic ability filling the necessary gaps in what might be a slow-and-measured lineup with LeBron facilitating for Maxey, Brown, and others.
Nonetheless, LeBron will have his work cut out for him trying to make all these different pieces thrive together to win a championship.
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