Jonah Bolden whale of talent as Breakers sign the former NBA player
Signing Jonah Bolden ticks a lot of boxes for the New Zealand Breakers.
The 28-year-old former NBA forward will join the Auckland club on a one-year deal for the 2024-25 NBL season, bringing experience and versatility to what is shaping up as a competitive lineup.
“Jonah Bolden is one of the most experienced players in the league,” Breakers head coach Mody Maor said yesterday.
“He’s a connector, he’s a great decision-maker, a very good passer, he’s going to get better and better with time.”
Additionally, the Australian forward is among a rare selection of local former NBA players in the competition, meaning the Breakers have two import spots remaining.
Bolden has played in 51 NBA regular season appearances across his time with the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns, and 10 playoffs appearances with the former. He has also spent in the EuroLeague, NBA G-League, and in the NBL, while he has played for the Australian Boomers.
Last year, Bolden returned to the NBL as a questionable commodity after prematurely retiring at just 25 in 2020 when he was not re-signed after his first 10-day contract expired with the Suns.
However, he proved he was an asset and will now bring his toolkit to Auckland as he looks to continue rebuilding his career on the court.
“I was surprised how good Jonah looked last season, having not played for three years. His shot was great, and his body looked good,” Moar said.
“With this versatility, the ability to shoot, the ability to put the ball on the floor, the ability to play in the post, I’m very much looking forward to unlocking all the things he can do.”
Maor said he thought the Breakers’ setup appealed to Bolden primarily because of its growing reputation within the basketball community as a place where players can transform their game.
“Regardless of whether the player is an import or local, everyone’s got better, everyone’s improved, and everybody’s made steps forward, and it’s something for which we are very proud,” he said.
It’s the six signing to be confirmed for the Breakers’ new-look 11-man squad. Import Parker JacksonCartwright will return for a second season in Auckland, with Maor building a team around the point guard.
The clubs have also signed Kiwiborn shooting guard Mojave King, veteran Australian guard Mitch McCarron, Kiwi big man Sam Mennenga, and returning centre Dane Pineau.
Guards Izayah Le’Afa and Will McDowell-White will not be returning to the club, however. Le’Afa has signed a two-year deal with the Sydney Kings, while McDowell-White intends to go overseas.