Influential figures want more court time for former Philadelphia 76er Jonah Bolden at the Sydney Kings

Sunday’s clash against Brisbane is the perfect chance for the Sydney Kings to unleash former Philadelphia 76er Jonah Bolden, writes MATT LOGUE.

There is a push for the Sydney Kings to unleash former Philadelphia 76er Jonah Bolden with more minutes, starting in Sunday’s NBL blockbuster against the Brisbane Bullets’ imposing big man line-up that’s been dubbed the “four-headed monster”.

Bolden has been brilliant in his return to professional hoops for the first time in almost four years, including dropping consecutive double doubles in one round, but influential figures believe he deserves more game time.

The ex-76er, who played alongside fellow Aussie Ben Simmons between 2018-2020, is averaging 16.5 minutes in his nine games thus far.

Sydney King Jonah Bolden during his NBA days with the Philadelphia 76ers. Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images.

Bolden has proven he remains a threat at the highest level – and championship-winning King Shane Heal expects to see the big man receive more time on the court in the coming rounds.

Fellow Sydney legend Brad Rosen believes Sunday’s clash against Brisbane is the perfect chance for Bolden to see extended minutes.

The Bullets arguably possess the league’s most in-form and intimidating big man line-up, including NBA champion and Boomers legend Aron Baynes, Tyrell Harrison, Josh Bannan, seven-foot-three Next Star teen Rocco Zikarsky.

Baynes has even been coming off the bench in recent games given the impressive form of Harrison and Bannan in particular.

In a bid to combat Brisbane’s big men, Rosen would like to see the Kings hand Bolden and Hunter for more court time.

“If ever I could ever see them together, it would be against a Brisbane side featuring Rocco, Bannon, Harrison and Baynes off the bench,” Rosen said.

“The Bullets have got a four-headed monster – and they’ll take some stopping, but Jonah has had some great games.

“There might be a time where he has to play Jordi and Jonah together, which is not a bad thing.

“I think they’ve both been outstanding. Jordi’s numbers have been phenomenal and Jonah had a weekend where he had two double doubles.”

Sydney is considered to be behind championship favourites Melbourne United, but Rosen remains confident in the Kings.

Jonah Bolden attempts to stop Brisbane’s Rocco Zikarsky during the round three NBL match between the Bullets and Sydney Kings at Nissan Arena. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

He says the men in purple and gold have the “luxury” of so much talent, which enables to coaching staff to change up the line-up with multiple game plans and positional changes.

“Jonah and Jordi can both play in the five or you could also put Jonah at the four,” he said.

“Hogg is also versatile and Jaylin Galloway is still to come back as well.

“It’s why I’ve always said it will take a few months for the team to be at their best.”

Meanwhile, Kings guard Denzel Valentine ranks among the NBL’s worst turnover offenders as an import, while his defence can be questionable, prompting frustrated fans to question his role in the team.

Valentine is in the bottom four imports for turnovers (2.6 a game). Only three imports – Jacob Wiley (2.9) and Milton Doyle (2.7) possess a worse turnover rate.

The former NBA star is also among the lowest scoring imports – averaging 10.8 points, but it’s on the defensive end where he doesn’t look as strong.

Denzel Valentine drives to the basket during the round six NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings at WIN Entertainment Centre. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

Valentine, though, has the backing of Rosen to find his feet.

“It’s a fair question, but I think he is playing the role that the Kings have identified that they need,” he said.

“He is that spot up shooter, where if Jaylen (Adams) or Shaun Bruce are coming down, if he runs the lane and gets to the corner, he definitely opens the court up.

“So, I can see the benefit of having that type of player there, especially with Jaylen in the team. That guy has got the ball on a string, with the way he conducts the play. It’s like he is running an orchestra.

“Have we seen the best of Valentine? Probably not, but right now he is doing what the Kings need.”