By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona worked out fully during Thursday’s team session, but remains sidelined for Friday’s NBA Preseason 2026 finale.
Head coach Nick Nurse provided an update on his roster’s health, noting that while players are progressing, they will not suit up just yet.
“They’re going through good portions of practice,” he stated. “The coaching staff obviously was hoping to get them in a game before the opener, just because it’s nice to kind of shake off whatever, or get to see where they’re at in that kind of game, rather than trying to see where they’re at in a real live one. So, but it is what it is. Long season ahead, and hopefully we’ll get them back sooner rather than later.”
The Turkish big is recovering from a left foot sprain sustained during the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. His contract for the upcoming year is guaranteed at $2.3 million, and follows up with a team option for the 2027–28 season.
Bona highlights a development-focused European group on the roster that has dealt with recent setbacks. Fellow center Ariel Hukporti, a German native who won a title with the New York Knicks before signing with Philadelphia, is out for the year with a torn right Achilles tendon. Meanwhile, French swingman Rayan Rupert is preparing to split time on a two-way deal between the main squad and the Delaware Blue Coats.
The Sixers close their exhibition calendar at Xfinity Mobile Arena against the Boston Celtics. To begin the Regular Season, they face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.
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