With all eyes on the Sixers during the 2021 Draft, many were expecting fireworks. Instead, Daryl Morey and Elton stuck to their guns and didn’t trade Ben Simmons. Just like last year, talent fell to the 76ers late in the first round and the front office didn’t overthink it.

Jaden Springer

With the 28^th pick, the 76ers selected guard Jaden Springer from the University of Tennessee. Jaden Springer is a 6’4 combo guard who was a “one and done” for the Volunteers. He averaged 12.5 ppg, 2.9 apg, and 3.5 rpg. Coming into Tennessee, he was a highly touted recruit and was expected to be drafted in the top 10 in this year’s draft. Springer is a two-way guard who is savvy on offense and pesky defensively. He can defend both guard positions on-ball and be a disruptive off-ball defender. He plays the passing lanes well and anticipates some of those cross-court skip passes. Springer averaged 1.2 steals per game and had 5 games with 3 or more steals.

Offensively, he is a good finisher who can finish through contact and has a knack for finishing tough reverse layups. He shot 45% from beyond the arc, although he didn’t shoot the three at a high clip (1.8 attempts per game). He shot over 80% from the free throw line with good jump shot mechanics. When playing on-ball, he can distribute and off-ball he uses screens effectively to get open. Springer lacks elite explosiveness and turns the ball over a little too much. He will also need to develop a few more go to moves to improve his own shot creation.

Overall, this was a good pick by the Sixers at 28. They got a guy that was originally mocked in the top 10 and got him late in the first round. He can have a similar impact that Tyrese Maxey had if he earns the opportunity.

Filip Petrusev

The Sixers drafted 6’11 center Filip Petrusev with the 50^th pick overall. Petrusev spent two years at Gonzaga before going overseas last year and winning the Adriatic League MVP. He didn’t get much draft buzz while at Gonzaga but improved his stock while in Europe. He averaged 23.6 ppg and 7.6 rpg while playing for KK Mega Basket. He is a mobile big with good size, a NBA ready body and long arms. He is good in the post and a solid rebounder. He worked on his 3-point shooting last season and transformed to a legitimate stretch big.  Sources have reported that Petrusev will be a draft and stash player and may not see him for a couple of seasons. He recently signed an extension with KK Mega Basket in Europe.

Daryl Morey also confirmed Filip Petrusev will likely start overseas and come over to the Sixers later.

— Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) July 30, 2021

Charles Bassey

With the 53^rd pick in the second round, the 76ers selected big man Charles Bassey out of Western Kentucky. Bassey has a high motor and terrific shot blocker. Last season he averaged 17.6 ppg, 11.6 rpg, and 3.1 bpg. He is an outstanding rebounder and finishes at the rim aggressively. Although he isn’t the best shooter, he extended his range to the three-point line. His shot is something that needs to improve and when it does, it will make him much more valuable. His motor and shot blocking prowess remind me of former Sixer Norvelle Pelle. Bassey has a chance to become a solid back up center and will likely spend the majority of his time with the Delaware Blue Coats.

It was a solid night for the Sixers, and they picked up some talent that can help fill out the roster when the dust settles after free agency. We expected some major trades to happen, but it just didn’t materialize. Morey is being patient and waiting for the right deals to come along and we just have to trust the process.

We are almost a week away from the 2021 NBA Draft which will be taking place in Brooklyn, NY. The 76ers currently have the 28th pick in the draft and are looking for a rookie who could come in and help this team win right away. The Sixers have done well in the past two years, drafting both Matisse Thybulle and Tyrese Maxey late in the first round. The Sixers hope that they can continue that trend in this year’s draft. The Sixers could also end up trading the 28th pick in the many rumored deals centered around Ben Simmons. If the Sixers keep the pick and draft at 28, take a look at some prospects that could fit on this team if available:

Jared Butler (Baylor, PG/SG)

Jared Butler is a 6’4 combo guard out of Baylor who helped lead the Bears to a national championship this year. He averaged 16.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, and 4.8 apg and was one of the consistent offensive threats for the Baylor Bears all season. He’s an excellent shooter and has great movement off the ball. He has a knack for knowing when to relocate on drives to allow himself to get open for an uncontested long-range jumper. Last season Butler shot 42% from 3-point territory and overall, he shot 52% from the field. Butler has a good handle and can create his own shot as well but has the tendency to over dribble sometimes. Some scouts question his explosiveness and finishing and find those weaknesses as a hinderance to his impact in the NBA. I think Butler is crafty enough to improve his finishing to become a solid finisher in the NBA. He is diagnosed with a heart condition and that could make teams weary of drafting him. However, he was cleared to play at Baylor for the last three years.

Tre Mann (Florida, PG/SG)

Tre Mann is a 6’5 guard from the University of Florida. In his sophomore season, he averaged 16 ppg, 5.6 rpg, and 3.5 apg. Mann took a big leap in terms of his scoring ability and physicality. He is a 3-level scorer with great handles and craftiness. He can play either guard spot and will only improve his pick and roll decision making as the reps come. He’s not known as a great defender and would need to work on his footwork. His game reminds me of Donovan Mitchell, who turned into one of the best players in the NBA. I’m not saying he is going to be the next Mitchell, but he has a better upside than what people think.

Brandon Boston Jr. (Kentucky, SG)

This may be considered a sleeper pick if BJ Boston falls this late in the first round. He could also go in the top 10. Boston was a highly recruited kid coming out of high school and committed to Kentucky. When he got to Kentucky, he couldn’t put it all together but still has tons of upside. Coach Calipari plays a lot of kids out of position at Kentucky, since he may get top recruits at the same positions. Boston is 6’7 shooting guard with tons of scoring/shooting potential. He averaged 11.7 ppg and only 1 asg during his lone season in Lexington. Some inconsistency with rotations and issues with COVID-19 contributed to a disappointing freshman year. I know with Sixers in “win now” mode, getting somebody with “upside” or “potential” may not fit in their current timeline but I think he could improve drastically in a short period of time. One thing we all know about the Kentucky guys is that they are always pro ready. A lot of Kentucky players are making noise in the NBA, and we already have one on our roster who has made an impact thus far.

Let’s hope the Sixers continue their success they have had in recent drafts, but with Daryl Morey at the helm, we must expect the unexpected.