Sixers: Jonah Bolden signing with Maccabi Tel Aviv proves his potential
The Sixers saw their second-round talent sign overseas. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s prestige only shows how high-potential he could really be.
Thanks to a some consistent performances and the injury to Markelle Fultz, the story of Sixers Summer League fell to Jonah Bolden. The 36th pick in the draft made his case to stay pat in Philadelphia, but a full roster delayed his NBA debut for at least another season.
Bolden had just signed a two-year deal with Red Star Belgrade, where he was expected to continue to shine in the Adriatic league. His stellar performance in Summer League made many hopeful for an immediate NBA appearance. Bolden’s ability as a shooter, passer, and shot-blocker at the forward position would have made him a versatile piece for this year’s roster.
Alas, it wasn’t enough. Or maybe it was. His summer earned him a spot with Maccabi Tel Aviv, an international club powerhouse. Home of once-NBA players and talented European prospects, Maccabi will be a better place for Bolden to polish some of the fundamental holes in his game against higher competition. Bolden will be joining another Summer League standout and former Sixer Pierre Jackson, who signed himself a deal that landed him in Israel.
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It shouldn’t be underestimated how impressive this “promotion” is. Getting signed to an overseas powerhouse is just as difficult a task as any for a professional looking for a gateway to start his career. Bolden is showing how talented of a young player he truly is, and his stock as an asset is quickly rising.
It’s not crazy to say that a good season in Tel Aviv will push forward his NBA career in major ways. Head coach Neven Spahija, who spent three seasons as an assistant for the Atlanta Hawks, will help push Bolden forward with his prestigious track record. The former Eurocup Champion-winning coach will hopefully place Bolden in highly intense situations, where he can grow on the fly.
The situation could not be more perfect for Bolden, with the exception of course being on the NBA roster come October. But his time in Israel will be far from a gap year. The Sixers will be hoping to see a similar level of performance against heightened competition. If so, it’s not a stretch to say that Bolden could come into the 2018-19 season as an instant contributor off the bench.
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That’s really what Philadelphia should be shooting for. Finding quality bench depth. Jonah Bolden will prove to be a more than valuable contract off the bench. His time with Maccabi Tel Aviv will only make him more ready for when he makes the trip to the NBA.