Heading into the NBA Draft, Adem Bona might be one of the best sleeper prospects. He’s a very good athlete with great mobility. He was also one of the most efficient rim finishers in the country last season. He certainly was a bright spot for UCLA, who had a disappointing season. He showed growth in his game. He’s intrigued both scouts and draft analysts for years and for good reason. He’s an elite defensive prospect.
We have several prospect already including Bronny James, Stephon Castle and Alex Sarr.
In the two years that he spent at UCLA, Bona earned several awards. He showed us what he’s capable of doing on both offense and defense.
Height: 6’8.25″ (7’3.75″ wingspan, 9′ standing reach)
Weight: 243 lbs
Age: 21
Position: Center
Strengths
Mobility
One of the most mobile big men in the NBA Draft this season, Adem Bona finished top five in the shuttle run, the lane agility and the three-quarter sprint drills at the Combine. Those drills focus on things like quickness and footwork. Not to mention, his verticals (both standing and max) weren’t bad either. He finished with a 35.0″ and a 40.0″. Those ranked among the best in the combine amongst all players.
Defense
For years, his defensive ability has been his calling card. While at UCLA, he was a back-to-back Pac-12 All-Defense selection. He’s a physically strong competitor and he knows how to out-muscle his opponents on the defensive side. He has proven to be both versatile and impactful on the defensive side. His leaping ability will provide the team that drafts him with a high level of rim protection. He also uses his long arms to be disruptive in passing lanes. He’s a very quick and mobile center, which allows him to work in a variety of different coverages and defend in space. He’s able to switch on to smaller players and still play efficient defense.
Big Man Offense
When it comes to the offensive side, Bona thrives in the paint. Especially when he’s a screener, cutter or lob threat. His strong frame allows him to play finish around the basket. He has a good first step which allows him to beat slower defenders.
Weaknesses
Floor Spacing
Bona can’t create his own shots. It’s not likely that he’ll develop into a three-point shooter at the NBA level. Bona is a poor free-throw that teams will be able to hack at the next level as well.
Playmaking
As is common with a lot of traditional NBA Centers, Bona lacks in the playmaking department. He’s not like Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid. He turns the ball over 2.5 times per game. At least, at the college level he did. His ability to process the game can be a bit slow at times.
He’ll likely be a late first-round, early second-round draft pick.
NBA Comparison: Kevon Looney/ Robert Williams
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