Philadelphia 76ers select Adem Bona in 2024 NBA Draft

Former UCLA power forward and versatile big man Adem Bona was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 41 pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Bona played two years at UCLA before declaring for the draft. He set career highs in 2023-24 across the board.

Last season, Bona averaged 12.4 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game, 1.2 assists per game and shot 58.8% from the floor. He also averaged 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game.

As a member of the Class of 2022, Bona was a five-star recruit out of Napa (Calif.) Prolific Prep, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 2 overall prospect in the state, the No. 3 center in the class and the No. 20 overall prospect in the class.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Adem Bona

Bona is a traditional big man, but should be effective in that role. Despite not having an outside shot, he’s a great rim finisher, per his scouting report.

On3’s James Fletcher III broke down the NBA prospects of Bona.

“Adem Bona is a high-intensity big who won the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award this season while averaging 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals to highlight his 96.2 defensive rating,” he said. “His inability to stretch the floor on offense, despite solid college numbers, make his hustle plays the most important part of his NBA fit.”

RotoWire’s scouting report was similar, regarding the big man.

“Bona is an explosive and quick player on both ends of the court,” Bona’s draft profile per RotoWire reads. “That works in his favor on the offensive side of the ball as he can stretch the floor and drive to the rim despite being a non-factor as an outside shooter. He’s also one of the most efficient rim finishers in the country, and that’ll likely be his bread and butter at the next level, especially if the shooting doesn’t improve. He’s also a better passer than he’s given credit for.

“Bona is a bit undersized to play power forward at the next level, but he compensates for his lack of length with his explosiveness and mobility. Bona shouldn’t have issues handling the physicality of playing against tougher or taller opponents. Other areas of improvement are his tendency to commit fouls and lack of activity on the glass, two areas in which he needs to work to improve his NBA profile as a non-shooting big man.”