In this new series, Sixers Wire looks at the 16 players, per Sportrac, that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 13 under standard contracts and the three players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2025-26 season. Of course, there is a certain restricted free agent that will be included as well.

The new season begins on Oct. 22, and training camp is right around the corner. Now is the time to begin previewing the new season of adventure that is Sixers basketball.

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Up next in this series is second-year big man Adem Bona who played 58 games in a rookie season in which he got a ton of experience to help him develop. The second-round pick out of UCLA averaged 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while also starting 11 of those 58 games.

For Bona, his three goals are as follows:

Take the backup center spot

As Bona heads into his second season, he has a big chance to take on a legitimate role for the Sixers. The backup to Joel Embiid is right there for him to take as there is likely to be a competition for that role between Bona and Andre Drummond–if he remains on the roster when considering he could be a trade candidate. If Bona can build off a strong rookie season and give the Sixers that type of shot blocking production, then it will give coach Nick Nurse an option to turn to in order to give the Sixers a strong bench unit.

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Expand the offensive game

Much of Bona’s offensive game is rolling to the rim and finishing off the pick-and-roll as well as off putbacks. As he heads into his second season, now is the time to add to his game. That means turning into a pick-and-pop option in the mid-range or at the 3-point line. Bona is a tireless worker so it wouldn’t be a big surprise should he be able to add another offensive aspect to his game so the Sixers should absolutely tap into him a bit more. It would make him a much more versatile option and give Philadelphia some more optionality on that end of the floor.

Continue developing into a legitimate shot-blocker

Bona was terrific in terms of his rim protection in his rookie season. However, if he continues to grow in that department–and limit his fouls–then the Sixers are going to feature a high energy, legitimate shot-blocker for the bench unit. That is a scary sight for opponents when considering they have to contend with Embiid in the starting unit. As long as he can continue to add to his overall game, as he did throughout his rookie season, then the Sixers will be able to give him more time and allow him to grow as a player.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers 3 goals: Adem Bona needs to take the backup center spot