Germany’s Isaac Bonga thrived at EuroBasket 2025, showcasing his two-way skill set en route to the gold, while delivering his top performance when it mattered most. Following his head-turning nine-game run, buzz is building around the 25-year-old’s potential NBA comeback, with Sports Illustrated’s Liam Willerup viewing the Golden State Warriors as an optimal fit.
Bonga, the No. 39 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, spent his first four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, and Toronto Raptors. He struggled to carve out a consistent role in the NBA, with his subpar 3-point shooting (career 30.0%) limiting his impact.
However, Bonga demonstrated an improved outside shooting stroke with Serbia’s Partizan Mozzart Bet last season, achieving a 41.2% mark from deep in EuroLeague play. He continued his success at this year’s EuroBasket, shooting 45.2% from long range, while consistently guarding opposing teams’ top players.
The 6-foot-8 wing peaked with a team-best 20 points during Sunday’s 88-83 Final victory over Turkey. Bonga came through in the fourth quarter with two big triples, a one-handed dunk, and a clutch offensive rebound. His versatility helped Germany capture its first EuroBasket title since 1993, potentially altering his career trajectory.
Why Does NBA Analyst Believe Isaac Bonga Could Solve a Crucial Need for the Warriors?
On Sunday, Willerup outlined why Golden State, the NBA’s most inactive team this offseason amid its prolonged standoff with restricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, should target Bonga. The analyst first cited the franchise’s thin forward depth, especially with Kuminga’s future up in the air.
“Outside of Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler [III], there are a lot of questions about the depth behind them with the roster’s forwards,” Willerup began. “Gui Santos looks like an interesting option, but he’s still inexperienced with a lot to prove.”
Willerup added that Bonga could address the Warriors’ need for more reliable perimeter threats around superstar point guard Stephen Curry. Despite winning 48 games last season, they ranked 16th in 3-point percentage (36.4%).
“With Partizan, Bonga was able to improve as a 3-point shooter, shooting over 40% from 3 across league and tournament play. Golden State, which can only benefit from more spacing with Butler and Draymond Green being below average from 3, could find a role for Bonga,” Willerup suggested.
ISAAC BONGA 🥶#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/zocC77nFBm
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 14, 2025
That said, the writer noted that Golden State “may need to act fast with getting the Kuminga deal done to try and swoop up Bonga before other potential suitors vie for his talents.”
While Bonga is under contract with Partizan through 2027, he has an exit clause in his deal. He was already rumored to be on multiple NBA teams’ radars before EuroBasket 2025. After becoming the inaugural winner of the tournament’s Best Defensive Player award while maintaining elite efficiency from downtown, he probably has his best window to return to the NBA.
Talk about X-Factor.
Isaac Bonga (20 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST) made all the difference in the final for Germany 🇩🇪#EuroBasket | #MakeYourMark pic.twitter.com/TmyN21WyHe
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 14, 2025
Given his age, Bonga’s prime years should be ahead of him, possibly making him the latest steal from overseas.
