NEW YORK — The Philadelphia 76ers have had their eyes set on a championship in the 2022-23 season, and haven’t been able to give minutes to second-year guard Jaden Springer. The 28th pick in the 2021 NBA draft has spent a lot of time in the G League while guiding the Delaware Blue Coats to a title.
He spent his final two games of the season with the Sixers getting real minutes. He played only two minutes in the season finale against the Brooklyn Nets due to a turned ankle he suffered in the G League championship game, but he played 34 minutes in a win over the Atlanta Hawks on April 7. He scored 19 points, and he played some terrific defense on star Trae Young.
“It was great, man,” Springer said of the final two regular-season games. “Everything I wanted coming in here, being able to play and compete and go out there against other top talent. Can’t ask for much more.”
In terms of his confidence, Springer added he believes it has been growing throughout the season. Being able to get minutes with the Sixers was the icing on the cake.
“I would probably say I gained a little confidence I guess,” he added. “I really haven’t took too much into it. I feel like this whole year my confidence has been growing. Just throughout playing in the G just leading up to this moment, I feel like it’s been growing continuously.”
Springer is unlikely to get minutes in the playoffs as Philadelphia will rely on veteran players, but being around the team for this postseason run will do wonders for his development and experience. To see what it takes to win in the playoffs will be helpful.
[lawrence-related id=78284,78281,78278]