Philadelphia 76ers: 5 takeaways from 2017 NBA Summer League
3. Jonah Bolden made a smart move to stay overseas
The Philadelphia 76ers had a plethora of draft picks in this year’s draft, so it’s no surprise they took a big man with one of their extra picks. Jonah Bolden is 6’10”, but he plays offense more like a forward than a back-to-the-basket post guy.
Bolden was the 36th overall pick by the Sixers in the 2017 NBA Draft and he was able to show what he’s capable of in Summer League. At their first stop in Salt Lake City, he put up 10.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 2.0 steals per game through three contests.
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In Las Vegas, he averaged 8.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game through five contests. He started in three games in Las Vegas after not starting at all in Salt Lake.
Bolden made a positive impression on the Philadelphia front office, but he’d be hard pressed to find playing time at this juncture. It’s surprising to say now, but the team has come a long way within “The Process.”
They could have taken a gamble on signing him to a two-way contract, but Bolden made a smart move signing with Maccabi Tel-Aviv on a three-year deal. The deal comes with NBA opt-out clauses should he choose to rejoin the NBA.
Although the Sixers still own his draft rights, Bolden can continue to develop in a competitive environment. Not to knock the G League, but as a 6’10” forward, Bolden will develop more in the overseas setting than in the G League. He has athleticism but with his skill-set he can become a better 3-point shooter. He shot 31.4 percent from three in Summer League play.