CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers had to make a few moves on Thursday to begin trimming their roster after the preseason.
The Sixers released young players Isaiah Joe and Charles Bassey. Both were second-round picks. Joe was in Philadelphia for two seasons and Bassey, one.
As the team returned to practice on Friday, coach Doc Rivers reacted to the team moving on from the two youngsters. He said Joe was part of a logjam at the wing positions.
“Tough one for me just personally because I really like the kid and I really believe he’s an NBA player,” said Rivers of Joe. “He was just caught behind so many guys. That was very difficult. So we had a long talk.”
As for Bassey, there were two other big men on the roster behind Joel Embiid: Montrezl Harrell and Paul Reed. The Sixers decided to move on from Bassey.
“Charles, I believe is an NBA player, too,” Rivers added. “He’s got a long way to go, but he can get there. So we released two guys yesterday (Thursday) who I believe someday will be an NBA player and hopefully play well.”
Rivers laid out some expectations for Bassey as the young big man continues his career.
“Just being a force,” he explained. “Be more dominating, shot blocker, running the floor, rebounder. His offense will come, but while that process is happening, he had to be dominant in the other areas.”
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