Former NBA expertise Jonah Bolden will make his basketball comeback with the Sydney Kings, three years after leaving the game to chase a profession in cryptocurrency.
Bolden has not performed professionally since leaving the Phoenix Suns in 2020 to pursue crypto along with his self-named agency Bolden Ventures.
But this does not concern Kings CEO Chris Pongrass.
“You can stay away from the game but coming in you don’t lose being 6’10”, you don’t lose being physical and having great touch and range,” he stated.
Bolden made 48 appearances with the Philadelphia 76ers and for G-League facet group the Delaware Blue Coats – the place he met fellow Kings import DJ Hogg.
Son of Kings legend Bruce Bolden, who performed 110 video games for Sydney from 1995-98, Jonah has an extended historical past with the group.
“Many of my first basketball memories or photos are me with a Kings basketball in my hands or with a Kings shirt on,” he stated.
“(Now) I get to represent the city I grew up in and play for the club and wear the same jersey as my dad did, which is really special.”
Bolden moved to the US and performed for UCLA the place he impressed with a 2016 beginning lineup debut that noticed the group declare their largest win of the season due to his defensive prowess.
“I’ve never been a ball-first kind of guy, I always like to set someone else up,” he stated.
“My size and length will allow me to be disruptive on defence but also grab rebounds and push the ball up the court.”
Bolden’s collegiate success earnt him a spot within the Philadelphia 76ers when he was chosen thirty sixth general within the 2017 draft.
Pongrass had eyes for Bolden early in his profession.
“I first called his agent about four years ago but I think the prospect of getting him back then was a little more challenging,” he advised AAP.
“When he became an option a month or so ago, we really went in.”
The 27-year-old energy ahead is the second import signed to a Sydney group that can navigate the 2023-24 season with out championship-winning coach Chase Buford.
With the season set to begin in three months, Pongrass says the Kings are nonetheless within the technique of hiring a coach.
“The success we’ve had here with our coaches, particularly Chase, it’s tough shoes to fill and I think any incoming coach is going to be that’s a challenge,” he stated.
“But I think the people we want to bring in embrace that.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
