Bolden reveals stark reality of NBL comeback

• Jonah Bolden signed with the Illawarra Hawks after previous stints at Sydney and New Zealand
• Bolden played 61 NBA games for Philadelphia and Phoenix
• He missed Illawarra's season opener through injury

Jonah Bolden always knew coming out of retirement following three years pursuing his cryptocurrency business was going to be a challenge, but he didn’t think it was going to be this difficult, reports Matt Logue from CODE Sports Basketball.

Bolden hardly touched a basketball during his hiatus from hoops as his focus shifted from the hardwood to his hard drive. He was just 25 when he made the call to walk away in 2020 following a NBA stint with Philadelphia and three further games at Phoenix.

Bolden’s decision was driven by a desire for more personal and professional growth outside of basketball’s demanding time commitment.

The son of NBL great Bruce Bolden had success starting companies Bolden Ventures and Mative Labs before returning to hoops in 2023.

Bolden joined the Sydney Kings with a mindset to jump straight back on the bike, but his body wasn’t ready for the rigours of pro hoops. He felt the same during his stint with the New Zealand Breakers last season before an off-season stint in Puerto Rico.

Now after penning a one-year deal with defending NBL champions the Illawarra Hawks, 29-year-old Bolden concedes he misjudged how long it would take to find his feet again following an extended period on the sidelines.

Bolden did his best to push through form slumps at the Breakers last season, but deep down he knew something had to change. He is determined to fulfil his potential with Illawarra this season.

“No doubt, so this season I’m looking to come in, push myself to the edge and get back to where I feel I should be as a player,” he said.

“I really wanted to come in and do what is needed to get back to the level I know I can play at and it is a day-by-day mentality for now."

For the full story on CODE Sports, click here.