As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for what they hope will be a deep run into the playoffs, now is the time to look back on the season and evaluate their play.
Rookies Jaden Springer and Charles Bassey did not see much time out on the floor. Springer played six minutes and Bassey played only in a pinch. However, both had significant success in the G League, helping the Delaware Blue Coats make the G League final.
Springer still has a long way to go, but Bassey showed potential as a shot-blocker. He played 23 games and averaged 3.6 blocks per 36 minutes.
Bleacher Report put together their final grades for every team’s rookie class and the Sixers earned a D- for their rookies:
Is it worrisome that Springer only contributed six of those minutes? I mean, it’s not ideal, and given Philly’s issues on the perimeter defensively, you would’ve hoped the rookie could’ve made his mark. Then again, he’s a 19-year-old developmental project, and the Sixers have all eyes on the title, so he was never likely to see many opportunities.
Bassey did a ton in limited action—including fouling (6.9 per 36 minutes). Powell shot 5-of-17 from the field and 1-of-6 from distance while matching his three assists with three turnovers. Not great.
In the defense of Springer and Bassey, who were they going to play over? Matisse Thybulle, Shake Milton, Danny Green and Furkan Korkmaz are all ahead of Springer in the rotation and Bassey was behind Andre Drummond at the beginning of the season. Then the team brought in DeAndre Jordan after the trade deadline.
Springer and Bassey will receive their chances on this team eventually. While Springer could probably still use more G League time in the 2022-23 season, Bassey could see an opportunity to back up Joel Embiid depending on what happens with Jordan, Paul Millsap and Paul Reed.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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