Section 215
Fansided

Sixers: Meet the new kids on the block

By James Wicker

Jun 23, 2017; Camden, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number 1 overall draft pick Markelle Fultz poses following his introductory press conference at Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2017; Camden, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number 1 overall draft pick Markelle Fultz poses following his introductory press conference at Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 24, 2015; Lahaina, HI, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Carlton Bragg Jr. (15) dribbles the ball as UCLA Bruins guard Jonah Bolden (43) defends during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

#36 pick, PF Jonah Bolden (Australia, played for UCLA in 2015-16)

This is a pick that Sixers fans should be keeping a close eye on. Jonah Bolden is one of the more interesting players in this year’s draft, and according to Jonathan Tjarks of The Ringer, he’s a possible lottery talent that was hidden in the 2nd round. College basketball fans could possibly remember Bolden from his stint at UCLA in the 2015-16 season, where he averaged 5 PPG and 5 RPG in 21 MPG.

After failing to make his mark in the Pac-12, Bolden decided to pursue professional ball in Serbia. He signed a contract with KK FMP Belgrade and turned out much better over there. This past season, Bolden averaged 13 PPG, 7 RPG, and a block and steal per game, while shooting 48% from the floor in the process. If he had averaged even close to those numbers and stayed at UCLA, we wouldn’t be looking at a second round pick.

When thinking about the prototypical NBA power forward body, one similar to Bolden’s would come to mind. Bolden is 6’10” and 225 pounds, with a 7’3″ wingspan. He was named the top prospect in his league after this season, a title that was previously given to Dario Saric and Nikola Jokic. If he has a slither of the promise those two have, we are looking at someone who is making the Sixers roster this season.

The upside is there with this kid. He improved from 25% shooting from 3 at UCLA to 42% this season in Serbia, and has a high release point that will be a defensive nightmare for whoever has to deal with him. Combine that with the fact he’s athletic enough to run the floor and has an extremely high basketball IQ, and he has all the tools to become one of the sleepers of this draft. If he can add some toughness to succeed in the NBA, watch out.