Sixers’ Adem Bona suffers foot sprain ahead of training camp

Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona has suffered a left foot sprain, an MRI confirmed Thursday. He is expected to be reevaluated at the start of training camp, according to the team.

The timing is unfortunate for Bona, who entered the offseason looking to take another step in his development and compete for the primary backup role behind Joel Embiid after Andre Drummond signed with the Knicks this summer.

The Sixers' depth at center was already a concern entering the season, particularly given Embiid's injury history. An injury to one of Philadelphia's primary backup options only adds to those questions.

If Bona misses time during training camp, the preseason or beyond, Nick Nurse will likely turn to offseason addition Ariel Hukporti or Dominick Barlow.

Hukporti comes to Philadelphia after a championship season in New York. At 7 feet, 246 pounds, he provides an imposing defensive presence with his combination of size and functional athleticism, though he remains relatively unpolished.

He averaged just 2.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 54 games while playing a limited role. His production was more encouraging on a per-possession basis, averaging 11.5 points and 15.8 rebounds per 100 possessions.

Barlow played 71 games for the Sixers last season and was one of the team's success stories, averaging a career-best 7.7 points and 4.8 rebounds. He started 59 games at power forward and was often utilized as a capable rebounding presence alongside Joel Embiid, while occasionally spending time at center early in the season and again in the second round against the Knicks.

Schematically, Barlow gives the Sixers a more switchable defender and better floor-spacing option offensively.

As for an outside addition, Philadelphia has two roster spots available, one for a standard contract and one for a two-way. As the team is just under $2 million below the first apron, less than the amount of a minimum contract,  a two-way addition is possible, but relying on Hukporti and Barlow is far more likely at this point. Closer to the trade deadline, the Sixers could explore more options if they become available.

If nothing else, the timing allows the Sixers to evaluate whether they have enough depth before those concerns become more significant later in the season.

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