Kings bring former NBA player Bolden to Sydney in NBL signing coup

The Kings are thrilled to announce former NBA talent and Sydney product Jonah Bolden has signed with the club for the NBL24 season.  

Bolden, the son of Kings legend Bruce Bolden, has joined the Hoops Capital club on a one-year deal.  

He becomes the club’s ninth rostered player of the 2023-24 campaign, alongside DJ Hogg, Shaun Bruce, Dejan Vasiljevic, Angus Glover, Kouat Noi, Jaylin Galloway, Jordi Hunter and Makuach Maluach - as well as development players Jackson Makoi and Klairus Amir.  

“I’m excited to join the Kings for many reasons, first and foremost, 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,” said Bolden. 

“Many of my first basketball memories or photos are me with a Kings basketball in my hands or with a Kings shirt on, showing how ingrained this club is in my life. 

“[Further to that] the way the whole organisation has gone to whole another level is really impressive, with great structures in place – highlighted by the success they had over the past few seasons.” 

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Bolden started his basketball journey as a junior with the Bankstown Bruins, before being selected to make his NSW debut in 2013 at the under 18s national championships – a tournament he guided his state to the grand final, averaging 18 points and 13 rebounds per game.  

On the back of this, Bolden was selected to represent Australia at the 2013 FIBA under 19s World Championships in the Czech Republic.  

Soon after, Bolden relocated to the United States and played at both Nevada’s Findlay College Prep and New England’s Brewster Academy.  

A three-year college stint at UCLA followed before being selected 36th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2017 NBA Draft.   

Prior to his 48 appearances for the 76ers, Bolden had stints at Serbia’s Košarkaški Klub FMP and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv, winning trophies in both 2017 and 2018.  

During his time in the US, the now 27-year-old has played for the Phoenix Suns and G-League side, the Delaware Blue Coats – which led to Bolden making his senior Boomers debut in August 2019 against Canada.  

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“I feel I can bring basketball maturity and leadership to the Kings' group, as well as an awareness of how to make others around me better,” said Bolden, who won the Adriatic League Top Prospect Award in 2017 and finished runner-up in the 2018 EuroLeague Rising Star Award to now NBA All-Star Luka Doncic. 

"I’ve never been a ball-first kind of guy, rather helping my teammates get the right shot and get them going for the benefit of the team. 

“As a player, my size and length will allow me to be disruptive on defence but also grab rebounds and push the ball up the court, to allow others to get easy shots. 

“Combine that with my ability to stretch the floor and willingness to get down and grind, I’m confident I can help the team build towards a third straight title.” 

READ MORE: KINGS THANK DEPARTING LISCH FOR COMMITMENT TO CLUB

Kings CEO Chris Pongrass believes adding someone of Bolden’s pedigree and resume will bolster the Kings’ frontcourt.  

“Of course, this is a unique situation - Jonah’s intentions and love for the game are pure, and we are thrilled to provide him with a platform to return,” Pongrass said. 

"Jonah has a lot more to prove in basketball. 

"Everyone knows the talent that Jonah possesses - his length, athleticism and range make him an immediate threat.  

“Don’t get me wrong, it is not an easy task returning from an extended absence, but we are invested in providing Jonah with the building blocks and a system that allows him to get back to playing at the highest level. 

“Jonah ticks a lot of boxes for us roster-wise and allows us to play with a variety of different line-ups between DJ [Hogg], Jordi, Kouat and Jonah. 

“It is also a significant signing for Kings fans – Bruce Bolden is a Kings legend and fan-favourite; having another Bolden don the purple and gold will be a proud moment.” 

Stay up to date with all the club’s off-season news here.