Entering his first season in the NBA, many Australians will be keeping a keen focus on 22 year-old Jonah Bolden. Having been drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 36th pick in the 2017 draft, Bolden spent the entirety of last season playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv. Helping his team to a title in the Israeli Basketball Super League title, Bolden was also nominated as a finalist for the rising star award in the prestigious EuroLeague competition. In joining the 76ers for this season, Bolden links up with fellow Aussie Ben Simmons exactly 20 years since their Fathers were teammates at the Sydney Kings.
With a solid all-round skillset, Bolden seems suited to the modern fast-paced nature of the NBA. His defensive prowess is where he’s likely to contribute and further improve a 76ers team that ranked first in opposition field goal percentage last season. Bolden ranked seventh in steals and eighth in blocks over the course of the EuroLeague, showcasing his impressive athleticism that allows him to run the floor well and make highlight plays on both ends.
On the offensive end of the floor, Bolden is likely to have limited opportunies within a 76ers line-up that certainly isn’t bereft of firepower. His points will likely come from fast break plays, finishing alley-oops, and potential put backs given his strong rebounding ability. At six foot ten, Bolden has a capable and improving jump shot that still requires work before it becomes a consistent threat at NBA level. He shot just under 32% from three point range during the EuroLeague which although isn’t high, was a vast improvement on the 25% he shot the season prior at College level for UCLA.
As far as the four spot goes, coach Brett Brown will no doubt start impressive Croatian Dario Saric. Brown has a plethora of options in his rotations given the resources at his disposal and the wide-ranging abilities of his players. With Simmons being an excellent rebounder for a Point Guard, Brown could play wings Robert Covington or Wilson Chandler at the four spot for extended periods. Simmons himself could be an option given Brown will have to find minutes for back up guards Markelle Fultz and T.J McConnell. The experienced Amir Johnson is likely to be the traditional back up big with the newly acquired Mike Muscala also an option at Brown’s disposal. With so many alternatives, it’s difficult to see how Bolden will fit in and find meaningful minutes in such a deep and talented roster.
Make no mistake about it, Bolden’s first year in the NBA will be all about his development with most of the playing time expected to be divied up between Simmons, Embied and the rest of the Sixers roster.
Up until this point Philadelphia has been happy to take the patient route with stars Simmons, Embiid and Fultz, so the same should be expected with Jonah.
Having said that, Bolden has real talent and by season’s end he could well be the team’s best perimeter defender (and maybe one of their best perimeter shooters) and if injuries arise he may have a “Dellavedova-esque” impact for his team in the play-offs.
At 22 and with a year in Europe under his belt, Bolden will likely be more physically ready than Simmons, Embiid and Fultz were during their first seasons. Unfortunately, he doesn’t possess the same upside and isn’t projected as a key piece among front office and coaching staff at this stage.
The development of Bolden should be a major focus for all Australians with him likely to play a huge role in the Australian Boomers quest for a gold medal at the FIBA World Cup and 2022 Olympics, but no matter what happens fans better get ready to jump on Bolden, because he’s ready to make an impact.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
