PHILADELPHIA — There is a lot to like about Philadelphia 76ers guard Jaden Springer. In his third season in the NBA, Springer continues to develop as a defender and on offense.
Springer made an immediate impact in Tuesday’s win over the Chicago Bulls when he hopped off the bench and made a few defensive plays. He received some early minutes because the Sixers were missing some key wing pieces. He had four points, two rebounds, a steal and a block off the bench.
If there is one area Springer can improve upon, it’s his offensive game. Tyrese Maxey is pushing his young teammate to be confident and not turn down open looks he gets on offense.
“I told him as soon as he got in, I just remember there was one play where his man was helping heavy and I just remember his man was helping heavy, heavy, heavy downhill and I sprayed it out to him and he didn’t shoot it,” Maxey recalled. “I told him ‘You gotta shoot the ball.’ I see him in warm-ups. I see him in practice shoot the ball every single day. I want him to shoot it.”
Maxey is fully aware of what Springer brings to the table on the defensive end. His work on that end is exemplary, but if Springer wants more NBA minutes, he has to give more on the offensive end. That’s why Maxey wants him to remain confident.
“I want him to be confident when he’s in there,” said the rising star. “He can play. He’s a really good basketball player, but we know what he brings on the defensive end. His defensive intensity on Coby White was really good. He’s getting over screens, he’s fighting, he’s picking the ball up, and then he’s just active, man. He’s so active. He was good tonight and I’m happy for him. He got some run in there early.”
As time goes on, Springer will have to continue to grow on the offensive end of the floor.
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