8
Nov
5 min read
Aussies in NBA history: Jonah Bolden
Jonah Bolden #43 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during Media Day at the Sixers Training Complex on September 21, 2018 in Camden, New Jersey. Photo: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Jonah Bolden: Versatile forward's journey From Melbourne to Philadelphia
- ABA League Top Prospect in 2017 with FMP Belgrade
- NBA Draft pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017
- Israeli League Champion with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2018
Jonah Bolden, a versatile Australian forward, made his mark in European basketball before transitioning to the NBA, showcasing his adaptability and defensive prowess on the global stage.
Key Details
Name: Jonah Anthony Bolden
Age: 28
Team(s): Philadelphia 76ers; and Phoenix Suns
Position: Power Forward / Small Forward
Size: 6'10" (2.08m)
Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
Jonah Bolden's playing style is characterised by his versatility and modern skill set. Standing at 6'10" with a lean frame, Bolden possesses the size of a traditional power forward but the agility and ball-handling skills of a wing player. This unique combination allows him to be a matchup nightmare for opponents, capable of stretching the floor with his three-point shooting while also being able to put the ball on the floor and attack closeouts.
Defensively, Bolden's length and mobility make him a valuable asset in today's switch-heavy NBA schemes. He has the quickness to stay with smaller players on the perimeter and the size to contest shots at the rim, making him a true multi-positional defender. His ability to block shots and generate steals adds another dimension to his defensive impact, often leading to transition opportunities for his team.
Jonah Bolden's Career
Jonah Bolden's basketball journey has been a globe-trotting adventure, showcasing his adaptability and determination. After a brief college stint at UCLA, Bolden made the bold decision to pursue professional opportunities overseas. This move proved fruitful as he signed with FMP Belgrade in Serbia for the 2016-17 season. It was here that Bolden truly began to flourish, earning the prestigious ABA League Top Prospect award and catching the eye of NBA scouts with his versatile skill set.
Following his successful season in Serbia, Bolden was selected 36th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2017 NBA Draft. However, rather than joining the 76ers immediately, he opted for another year of development in Europe. Signing with Israeli powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv for the 2017-18 season, Bolden continued to refine his game against high-level competition. His contributions were crucial in helping Maccabi secure the Israeli League Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a winning player.
Bolden finally made his NBA debut with the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2018-19 season. While his playing time was limited, he showed flashes of his potential, particularly on the defensive end. His ability to switch onto multiple positions and provide rim protection made him a valuable piece in the 76ers' rotation, especially during their playoff run.
After parting ways with the 76ers in February 2020, Bolden had a brief stint with the Phoenix Suns, showcasing his ability to contribute immediately in a new system. While his NBA career was shorter than many had anticipated, Bolden's journey demonstrates the increasingly global nature of basketball talent development and the various paths players can take to reach the highest levels of the sport.
Five Fast Facts
- Son of Bruce Bolden, who played 17 seasons in Australia's National Basketball League
- Represented Australia at the 2013 FIBA Under-19 World Championship at age 17
- Attended multiple high schools in the United States, including the prestigious Findlay Prep
- Won the Israeli League Cup and Israeli League Championship with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2018
- Made his senior debut for the Australian national team in 2019
Career Highlights Timeline
2013: Represented Australia at the FIBA Under-19 World Championship
2014: Enrolled at UCLA but was ruled ineligible to play in his freshman year
2015: Made his college debut for UCLA as a sophomore
2016: Signed with FMP Belgrade in Serbia
2017: Named ABA League Top Prospect; Drafted 36th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers; Signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv
2018: Won Israeli League Championship with Maccabi Tel Aviv; Signed with the Philadelphia 76ers
2019: Made NBA playoff debut with the 76ers
2020: Brief stint with the Phoenix Suns
2023: Came out of retirement to sign with the Sydney Kings in the NBL
2024: Signed with the New Zealand Breakers for the 2024-25 NBL season
Jonah Bolden's basketball career is a testament to the globalisation of the sport and the diverse pathways available to modern players. From his early days in Australia to his collegiate experience in the United States, followed by successful stints in Europe and the NBA, Bolden has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience.
While his time in the NBA was relatively brief, Bolden's impact on Australian basketball extends beyond his personal achievements. He represents a new generation of versatile, defensively-minded players who can contribute across multiple positions. His journey serves as an inspiration to young Australian players, showing that there are many routes to professional success in basketball, whether in the NBA or in top leagues around the world.
