If there were a positive for teams boxed out of postseason positioning by late-March, it likely arrives in getting the opportunity to potentially unearth hidden gems worth keeping for the long haul. Fitting the criteria for the injury-riddled Philadelphia 76ers in 2024-25, Adem Bona uses his extended freedom wisely, taking a middle-of-the-floor spotlight with no “background dancers” available to join him on the dribble handoff stage. Working improv, Bona — seemingly catching Karlo Matković off-guard — introduces the deceptive speed of his 6-foot-10 frame, turboing through the floor’s left side before powering home a one-handed flush. Often celebrated for his energetic play, Philadelphia’s No. 41 pick provided a spark in March 24, 2025’s loss to the similarly-snakebitten New Orleans Pelicans. In a 19-minute appearance, the Nigerian-born big man delivered six points (on three-of-four shooting), seven rebounds, one assist (and four “screen assists”), two steals, and a block. · Mar 25, 2025