Agonizing 76ers problem has obvious solution the Cavaliers just proved

The Cleveland Cavaliers had an outstanding season, winning 64 of 82 regular-season games to lead the Eastern Conference, thanks to head coach Kenny Atkinson's well-balanced lineup combining size, speed, and scoring ability.

Evan Mobley achieved a career-high 18.5 points per game while contributing significantly with 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, which reduced pressure on center Jarrett Allen and allowed Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland to focus more on offense.

The Philadelphia 76ers, who rely heavily on Joel Embiid and lack frontcourt depth, could benefit from adopting a strategy similar to the Cavaliers to enhance head coach Nick Nurse's game plan.

Rookie Adem Bona, drafted 41st overall in 2024, had limited playing time initially but showcased impressive skills in both offense and defense during his opportunities, such as in a March game against the Utah Jazz where he played over 32 minutes.

Bona demonstrated strong defensive abilities with a 7-foot-3.75-inch wingspan, averaging 1.2 blocks per game and recording a career-high five blocks in a match against the Toronto Raptors, highlighting his rim protection skills.

His presence could create a more balanced roster for the 76ers, enabling guard pairings like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain to play without compromising rebounding, while Bona's aggressive finishing around the rim adds offensive threat.

To effectively slot into a forward role, Bona needs to improve as a spot-up shooter, as evidenced by his average of 0.1 three-point attempts per game compared to Mobley's 3.2 attempts at a 37% success rate, though his rookie year limited his opportunities and role development.

Despite these areas for growth, Bona possesses the foundational traits to become an effective wing player, with potential to significantly impact the 76ers' performance in future seasons.