/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.basketusa.com%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2Ft76o0ylz71fy7xrlusq8.webp)
Isaac Bonga’s NBA Comeback on Horizon After Stunning EuroBasket Showing
Isaac Bonga’s performance at the EuroBasket Tournament has sparked whispers of an NBA comeback, with the German standout silencing Finnish star Lauri Markkanen and earning praise from Franz Wagner.
“He Deserves Another Chance in the NBA” – Franz Wagner
Wagner, Bonga’s former teammate with the Los Angeles Lakers, was effusive in his praise of the 25-year-old wing. “I believe Isaac deserves another chance in the NBA,” Wagner said. “He’s shown over the past few seasons that he’s an elite defender, shoots the three very well, and can do some things off the dribble too. I think he could have many teams interested in him.”
Bonga’s Impact on Markkanen and Germany’s Euros Campaign
Bonga’s defensive tenacity was on full display in Germany’s semi-final clash against Finland, where he muzzled Markkanen into a disastrous 6-for-17 shooting night. This came after their group phase encounter when Bonga held Markkanen to just 11 points on 4-for-15 shooting.
Bonga’s unprecedented lockdown prowess against Markkanen played a significant role in Germany’s historic third-place finish at EuroBasket 2025, their best performance in the tournament’s history.
Could an NBA Return Be in the Cards for Bonga?
While Bonga has extended his contract with Partizan Belgrade until 2027, it contains clauses allowing him to return to the NBA. Earlier this summer, BasketNews reported that multiple NBA teams had Bonga on their radar.
In Serbia, Bonga has developed into a “3&D” specialist, averaging 7.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.5 steals per game last season in the Euroleague while shooting 41.2% from three.
It’s not something I think about right now.– Isaac Bonga, post-game interview
Despite the mounting interest, Bonga remains focused on Germany’s upcoming final and a potentialffiti medal.
Isaac Bonga’s NBA Career Statistics
| Saison | Team | MJ | Min | Shots (FG%) | 3pts (3P%) | FT | Off | Def | Tot | PD | FTE | Int | BP | CT | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | LAL | 22 | 6 | 15.2 | 0.0 | 60.0 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 |
| 2019-20 | WAS | 66 | 19 | 50.4 | 35.2 | 81.2 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 3.4 | 1.2 | 2.4 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 5.0 |
| 2020-21 | WAS | 40 | 11 | 37.0 | 27.7 | 62.5 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 2.0 |
| 2021-22 | TOR | 15 | 5 | 23.1 | 25.0 | 62.5 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
| Total | 143 | 13 | 43.2 | 30.0 | 75.9 | 0.7 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 3.1 |
How to read the stats: MJ = matches played; Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; FT = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; Off = offensive rebound; Def = defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; Pts = points.
FAQ
25 years old
Los Angeles Lakers (2018-2020) and Washington Wizards (2019-2021, 2020-2021)
A versatile, “3 and D” player with strong defensive instincts and three-point shooting ability.
Multiple NBA teams had Bonga on their radar during the past offseason, per BasketNews.
Pro Tip
Bonga’s age, defensive prowess, and three-point shooting are valuable commodities in today’s NBA. As the league continues to trend towards smaller, switchable lineups, Bonga’s versatility could make him an enticing addition to several teams.
Did You Know?
Isaac Bonga was drafted by the Lakers with the 39th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
What do you think of Isaac Bonga’s chances for an NBA return? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow us for more updates on Bonga and other European hoops stars making waves globally.