The Philadelphia 76ers are ready for the regular season following their final tune-up game, and they are hoping to have a healthy Joel Embiid leading the way.
Embiid returned to the court for Friday's 126-110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the preseason finale, and the 76ers started second-year big man Adem Bona alongside the seven-time All-Star.
While Bona isn't expected to command a starting role during the regular season, head coach Nick Nurse's decision to start the backup big man suggests he and Embiid could share the floor more often this season.
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Joel Embiid praises young center Adem Bona
Embiid discussed Bona's impact with Philadelphia during his postgame interview, praising the 22-year-old's ability to play his role, according to PHLY Sports.
“He knows what his role is — he knows what we need from him. I think over my career that's something that I've always felt like it was kind of needed. Everybody else is always focused on shooting, stretching the floor, but I think just having a bunch of guys around that are just going to go after every loose ball, play defense, rebound the ball and fly up and down the court, I think that goes a long way, especially for me as I'm coming back and trying to stay on the right path.”
After injuries piled up last season, Bona played a key role following the All-Star break. In his final 21 regular-season appearances, the 2024 second-round pick averaged 10.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks while shooting 70.7 percent from the field across 23.6 minutes per game.
With both big men on the floor, Bona will be expected to do more of the dirty work. The Sixers will remain cautious with Embiid, who played just 58 regular-season games over the past two seasons, during which he underwent two left knee surgeries.
However, with Bona on the court alongside Embiid, he will hopefully be able to lessen Embiid's defensive and rebounding workload. The youngster's energy will be key for the Sixers, and he is expected to operate as Embiid's primary backup in the 2025-26 campaign.
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