76ers Make Roster Move With Rookie After Win vs Hornets

The Philadelphia 76ers have assigned the rookie Adem Bona to the G League.

Oct 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona (30) in action against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

After a dramatic win at home against the Charlotte Hornets, the Philadelphia 76ers are making some minor roster moves with some of their younger prospects.

According to a team official, the rookie center Adem Bona has been assigned to the Sixers’ NBA G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats.

In addition to Bona, the Sixers will also allow the Blue Coats to utilize two of their two-way players as well. Per a team official, Lester Quinones and Justin Edwards will be available for Monday’s game. The Blue Coats are set to host the Boston Celtics’ affiliate, Maine Celtics, for their second game of the year.

On Saturday, the Blue Coats opened up their 2024-2025 run with a matchup against the Toronto Raptors’ affiliate. Delaware had just one two-way player available in the rookie Justin Edwards.

The undrafted forward checked in for 35 minutes. He made ten of his 23 shot attempts, scoring 28 points, which marked a team-high. In addition to his scoring, Edwards accounted for six rebounds, four assists, and two steals. The Blue Coats came up short with a one-point loss.

GIMME THAT!! 🔒

Justin Edwards comes up with the steal from behind and soars for the one-handed slam on @Tubi pic.twitter.com/WyOBzdExFw

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) November 9, 2024

Edwards will get an opportunity to play in his second G League outing on Monday. Quinones will make his debut with the Blue Coats, appearing in his 67th G League outing.

As for the rookie Bona, it will be his first set of G League action.

Coming out of UCLA, Bona was called on with the 41st overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Instead of signing with the Sixers through a two-way deal, the rookie big man landed a standard contract. Still, Bona has not entered the Sixers’ rotation outside of garbage time, even in the absence of Joel Embiid.

There isn't a harder-playing prospect in this draft than Adem Bona. His combination of mobility, length, power, quickness off his feet and intensity gives him considerable defensive potential. He should be one of the first players off the board this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/bBai927yCH

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2024

The rookie center appeared in six games for the Sixers through the first stretch of the season. He averaged under three minutes of playing time. When the Sixers engaged in an overtime battle against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, Bona stayed on the bench.

The Blue Coats will offer Bona an opportunity to get some extended playing time as the Sixers have the night off. He could be back with the team on Tuesday night when they host the New York Knicks for the first of back-to-back matchups.