Philadelphia 76ers forward Jonah Bolden has explained why he can’t wait to team up with fellow Australian Ben Simmons in the years to come.
Bolden, who the Sixers selected with the 36th pick in the 2017 draft, signed his first guaranteed NBA contract last week, agreeing to a four-year, seven-million dollar deal.
It grows the connection between Australia and Philadelphia, and Bolden has described why Simmons’ ability to share the love amongst his teammates is so appealing.
NBA: ANOTHER AUSSIE JOINS BEN SIMMONS AT PHILADELPHIA
“It’s rare to find a player that can pass the ball, but even rarer to find a player who can and wants to pass the ball at the same time,” Bolden said of Simmons on SEN Afternoons.
“There are a lot of players who can pass the ball but it’s hard to find a player who wants to pass the ball to someone else before he can get some points.
“Playing alongside a Ben Simmons, where he sees you and immediately with no hesitation will pass you the ball if you’re in a great position and spot it up.
“It helps his teammates around him just knowing that if they get to a certain spot, they will receive the ball.
“It takes the stress off them knowing they’re playing with that type of player.”
Bolden also adding he can’t wait to embed himself into the culture of the 76ers, saying there is a “loving vibe” around the club.
The 22-year-old averaged 6.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game with Philadelphia during the NBA Summer League earlier this month.
SEN Afternoons with Andy Maher can be heard Monday-Friday 12-3pm, and you can subscribe to the podcast here.
Bolden also appeared in 29 EuroLeague games last season with Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, amassing 6.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
The son of former NBL star Bruce says his versatility enables him to fill a multitude of roles on the court.
“A hybrid forward,” Bolden said, when asked to describe his game.
“A power forward that is able to stretch the floor and play the three but at times put me at the five and we play long ball.
“I feel more comfortable at the power forward pick and pop, able to see the game from the outside in, seeing my players from the three point line and what’s in front of me, rather than inside out.
“I’ve just grown up and played that well since I was a kid.
“Being able to stretch the floor by shooting the three, getting the rebound and pushing it, my players running with me.
“That mobility on defence and that versatility adds another factor to me.”
Listen to Jonah Bolden’s chat with Andy Maher on SEN Afternoons in the player below