The Thirteen Misfit Toys

Mar 30, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard

(9) reacts to his three pointer against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Small Forward
JaKarr Sampson
We are winding down the roster, so the players become more contested. Do you see your favorite yet? 6’9″ JaKarr Sampson may not be the favorite of many, but that could change this year.  He’s another young and talented player with upside. Sampson will likely start the season playing behind Jerami Grant.  But that could change.  He actually shot with more accuracy in 2014/15, at 42.2% versus Grant’s 35.2%.  He’s got an inch and several pound on Grant as well, and those of you who follow the Chip Kelly saga with the Eagles know the “Big people beat up little people” mantra.  Some of that showed in the summer league, as he helped lead the team to a victory to close out the season. This comes as no surprise to Sampson. He’s young, but confident he can make a contribution to this team.

"“I feel like I took everybody by surprise by my offensive improvement and me becoming a legit wing,” Sampson said. “I even played some point guard… I feel like I’m making a good transition.”"

He will likely play behind both Grant and Wallace, but he’ll gain valuable experience from the bench as he learns by observation, and listens to the teachings of veteran Wallace.  It’s not an ideal situation for any player, but for a young man of 22 years age, sitting on an NBA roster while you learn is not a bad gig at all.  When his number is called, he’ll have plenty of opportunity to shine.  Much of this year will be polishing his luster.

Next: Scottie Wilbekin