NBA Draft 2017 Prospect Watch: Jonah Bolden
By Adam McGee
Strengths
Bolden has certainly benefited from the increased minutes he received by moving on from college for the professional ranks, and his experience against stronger, more physical pros should stand in his favor too.
The Australian would seem physically well-equipped to deal with the demands of playing the NBA power forward position, while measuring in at 6’10” with a 7’3″ wingspan, he may also be able to slot over to the center position in spells of small-ball.
Bolden is a fluid mover who possesses above average athleticism. He can run the floor in transition, is confident playing above the rim, and always capable of breaking out a powerful dunk.
Although he struggled as a shooter at UCLA, there have been signs of really positive growth in that department of Bolden’s game during his time in Europe. Last season, he averaged a solid 41.9 percent success rate from three-point range.
On defense, Bolden is a highlight-reel playmaker. Although he’s far from the most well-rounded and consistent defensive presence, he has a good nose for the ball that can lead to him coming up with steals and blocks at important moments.
In an average of 27.7 minutes per game for Radnicki Basket, Bolden averaged a block and a steal per game.