Isaac Bonga, who just helped Germany win EuroBasket, could potentially pursue a return to the NBA, and if he decides to do so, the Boston Celtics should take an interest. Though Bonga is currently under contract with Partizan, his performance at EuroBasket sparked plenty of conversations surrounding a potential NBA resurgence.
The 25-year-old spent four years in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, and Toronto Raptors from 2018 to 2022 before transitioning to overseas ball. Since leaving the league, he’s been playing in Germany, playing at Bayern Munich for two years and then with Partizan last year.
Now, he could have a chance at an NBA comeback.
Why should the Celtics want Isaac Bonga?
In the Celtics’ roster’s current state, they primarily need big men. However, Bonga’s size and defense at the guard position could fit nicely alongside Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Anfernee Simons.
When he was in the NBA, Bonga struggled with his three-point shot. But he’s performed well from beyond the arc lately, which has fueled the fire of him potentially coming back stateside.
During his nine games at EuroBasket, Bonga played 23.1 minutes per contest. He averaged 9.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 53.3% from the floor and 45.2% from distance on 3.4 three-point attempts per game.
Meanwhile, throughout his 2024-25 campaign with Partizan, Bonga appeared in 63 games, playing 22.0 minutes. He averaged 7.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 47.2% from the field and 39.3% from deep range on 2.9 three-point attempts.
If Bonga’s three-point shot translated to the NBA, his length and defense could help him become a valuable 3-and-D guard in the same vein as Kris Dunn and Keon Ellis.
Can Isaac Bonga return to the NBA?
His German teammates certainly think so. Most notably, Maodo Lo, who played alongside Bonga at EuroBasket, is very confident in his teammate’s abilities:
"He's been in the NBA before, so he deserves to be in the NBA and I'm confident he can play there,” Lo told Blažo Komnenić of Meridian Sports. “At this level we're playing, the difference between the Euroleague and the NBA is minimal. If you ask me - of course Bonga can play in the NBA. Just give him a contract and a pen to sign. And I think that's true for a lot of European players. It's not like it's impossible. If you can shoot three-pointers well, if you have a high level of athleticism and a good body - you can play in the NBA, for sure, and Bonga has all that and can go to the NBA.”
As for Bonga himself, he’s just taking things one day at a time:
"Now I just want to enjoy myself with my brothers here, to talk to my family, and then we'll see,” he said.