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.