CAMDEN, N.J. — While the Philadelphia 76ers work through the James Harden saga, other aspects of the team deserve attention as the 2023-24 season approaches.
The Sixers are looking for third-year guard Jaden Springer to make a big step forward. The No. 28 pick in the 2021 NBA draft has had terrific moments in the G League, but it is time to make his case to earn a rotation spot for new coach Nick Nurse.
Through the first three preseason games, Springer has shown off his defensive ability as well as his continued improvement on the offensive end. That ability to perform on both ends of the floor is something Joel Embiid pushed him to improve in.
“Jaden has gotten better,” Embiid said. “I’ve been on him since last year and really all summer about just messing with him about being a better shooter. He’s gotten so much better. You can tell he’s worked the whole summer, he took it personal, and he’s done a great job throughout this whole summer and this preseason.”
Springer is averaging 11.7 points in the preseason and shooting 63.6% from the floor. If he can continue to take steps on the offensive end, he should be a rotation regular.
Other than Springer, the Sixers have undrafted rookies Terquavion Smith, Ricky Council IV and Azuolas Tubelis to develop. Smith has had some nice moments during the exhibition schedule, which shows his potential and the work that must be done.
“Terq obviously is extremely talented,” Embiid added. “He comes in, he’s got a long way to go. He has a lot of energy and he wants to play and he wants to get involved and attack and attack and attack which is great, but he’s gonna learn as time goes, but we got a bunch of young, talented guys, and we just have to help them.”
The Sixers have one preseason game left on Friday when they host the Atlanta Hawks.
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