Inside the Sixers’ Backup Center Rotation: How Andre Drummond and Adem Bona Are Powering Philly’s Depth Behind Embiid
CAMDEN, N.J. - When Joel Embiid isn’t on the floor, the Philadelphia 76ers aren’t scrambling-they’re strategizing. That’s because head coach Nick Nurse has two very different, but highly effective options waiting in the wings: the seasoned veteran Andre Drummond and the high-energy second-year big Adem Bona.
Drummond, now in his 15th season, remains one of the league’s best rebounders. He brings size, physicality, and a veteran presence that’s hard to replicate.
Bona, on the other hand, is a ball of energy-athletic, active, and relentless. Together, they give Nurse a versatile one-two punch behind Embiid, and their contributions have played a quiet but crucial role in the Sixers’ strong start to the 2025-26 season.
When Embiid is sidelined-whether for rest or injury-Nurse tends to lean on Drummond as the starter. It's a role the big man is more than comfortable with, and one that fits his skill set: control the glass, anchor the paint, and provide a steadying force inside. Bona, meanwhile, comes in with a spark off the bench, often pushing the pace and using his athleticism to disrupt opposing second units.
“I do talk to them about both always being ready no matter what,” Nurse said recently. “In my ideal world, I would like to start Drum on the nights Joel, we know he’s not playing. I’d like Drum to be the starter, and Bona to be the backup, and they share that pretty much for the night.”
But like most things in Nurse’s system, it’s not always that straightforward. Matchups matter.
Against smaller, quicker teams-like the Toronto Raptors-Bona’s mobility and energy might be the better fit. When the Sixers face teams with more size and physicality, Drummond’s experience and strength become essential.
“It is more probably matchup-based,” Nurse explained. “Let’s say we have a game in Toronto, and we just say Bona seemed to be the hot hand and a better fit for Toronto.
So, we go with him a little bit more the next night. It is a little bit matchup-driven.”
That flexibility is a luxury not every team has. Most squads struggle to find even one reliable backup center. The Sixers have two-and they’re stylistically different enough that Nurse can tailor his approach based on what the night demands.
“Teams usually get a little smaller with their backup big,” Nurse added. “So that lends, again, to Drummond starting, Bona coming off the bench.
But it’s not always the case. That’s kind of the general thought there.”
Whether it’s Drummond’s muscle or Bona’s motor, the Sixers are getting quality minutes behind their MVP. And in a league where depth can make or break a playoff run, Philadelphia is quietly building a foundation that could pay off in the months to come.