Philadelphia 76ers: Complete 2017 offseason grades

Drafting and stashing Jonah Bolden

Former UCLA Bruin 6’10” forward Jonah Bolden wasn’t a bad pickup in the 2017 NBA Draft. Many outlets considered him the steal of the second round, if he fell that far. He did fall to the second round, as the Philadelphia 76ers scooped him up with the 36th overall pick.

Bolden fared well this summer on the Sixers’ Summer League squad in Utah and Las Vegas. In Utah, he averaged 10.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 2.0 steals per game. In Vegas, he averaged 8.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

Bolden showed a strong skill-set as a defensive-minded player who also stretches the floor on offense. He turned some heads in the front office, but he’s another draft-and-stash prospect the Sixers will have to monitor.

He’s headed overseas to play with Maccabi Tel-Aviv on a three-year deal. The contract comes with an opt-out clause for the NBA as well.

Another year to develop overseas should be good for Bolden. He’s a budding wing player Philadelphia could use in the future. He’s also only 21 years old.

Bolden averaged 12.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 blocks per game for FMP Beograd last season. They had a Serbian team who had a 10-16 record in 2016-17. He hopes to fare better this season in Israel.

He looks like the most ready of all the draft-and-stash prospects, but a roster spot is hard to find. He’s better off overseas for now.

Grade: B