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A quick guide to the Sixers’ Summer League roster

Christopher Kline
Christopher Kline

The Sixer Sense

MESTRE, ITALY - APRIL 23: Norvel Pelle of Openjobmetis looks over during the LegaBasket of Serie A1 match between Reyer Umana Venezia and Openjobmetis Varese at Palasport Taliercio on April 23, 2017 in Mestre, Italy. (Photo by Arturo Presotto - Iguana Press/Getty Images)

Philadelphia 76ers
MESTRE, ITALY – APRIL 23: Norvel Pelle of Openjobmetis looks over during the LegaBasket of Serie A1 match between Reyer Umana Venezia and Openjobmetis Varese at Palasport Taliercio on April 23, 2017 in Mestre, Italy. (Photo by Arturo Presotto – Iguana Press/Getty Images)

As the Philadelphia 76ers head to Vegas, we break down every member of the Summer Sixers.

Today marks the start of the Las Vegas Summer League, with all 30 NBA teams participating. The Philadelphia 76ers are among the favorites to emerge as tournament champions, with a solid blend of rookie talent and returning veterans.

While Zhaire Smith and Jonah Bolden will highlight the roster, the Sixers will also feature names like Landry Shamet, Demetrius Jackson and Furkan Korkmaz. That is two first-round talents and a two-way contract recipient, all three of which have NBA upside.

One notable omission is Shake Milton, the Sixers’ lone second-round pick from the 2018 draft. Milton, who many considered a fringe first-round talent coming into June, sustained a stress fracture during the pre-draft process. That could explain his drop to 54th.

Here is the full Summer Sixers roster, per PhillyVoice’s Kyle Neubeck:

While the Sixers don’t have an abundance of roster space, Summer League is still important. We’ll get a taste of how far Zhaire Smith has come on the offensive end and multiple names on the roster could end up competing for two-way contracts — both with the Sixers and elsewhere.

This group, in general, should also be fun to watch. There is athleticism and versatility aplenty, meaning the Sixers can play the same brand of up-tempo, three-centric basketball that characterizes their regular season group.

Let’s dive into each player and their purpose/upside in the NBA.

LUBBOCK, TX – NOVEMBER 22: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders handles the ball during the game against the Wofford Terriers on November 22, 2017 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Wofford 79-56. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – NOVEMBER 22: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders handles the ball during the game against the Wofford Terriers on November 22, 2017 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Wofford 79-56. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)

Rookies/potential to make the roster

Breaking down the players you can expect to see on the 15 (or 17)-man roster next season.

Zhaire Smith, G/F, Texas Tech

Smith will be an obvious focal point this summer. The reigning 16th overall pick won’t see much playing time next season, but his two-way upside is something the Sixers were wise to invest in. That upside is the very reason The Stepien’s Jackson Hoy viewed Smith as a top-10 prospect.

While still raw offensively, Smith is already an elite perimeter defender. As arguably the best athlete in the 2018 class, his ability to jump passing lanes, lock up ball-handlers and make the occasional weak-side block should lead to some highlight plays over the next week.

He’s also liable for some flashy plays on the offensive end, normally of the above-the-rim variety. He needs to become more reliable as a ball-handler, but his athleticism and high-I.Q. allows him to contribute in a complimentary role.

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His cutting should fit nicely next to Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid at the next level, while he seems capable of knocking down open spot-up jumpers. If his stroke and handles improve, the upside is tantalizing.

Landry Shamet, G, Wichita State

The Sixers’ 26th overall pick, Shamet was a surprise pickup in the first round. His skill set is an obvious fit in their current rotation, though, providing knockdown shooting and secondary ball-handling off the bench.

Shamet isn’t an elite athlete and may struggle in spots because of that, but he’s incredibly smart and seldom makes mistakes. The NBA adjustment should come naturally to him, as he’ll be able to hit shots off movement and make plays in the pick-and-roll.

Furkan Korkmaz, G/F, Sixers

Korkmaz was on the roster last season, splitting time between the Sixers and Sevens. His production — even in the G-League — was spotty and inconsistent, but he still has upside as a 6-foot-8 wing who can shoot the ball at a high level.

Jonah Bolden, F/C, Maccabi Tel Aviv

After spending last season overseas, the Sixers’ primary draft-and-stash prospect will finally look to crack the NBA next season. The Sixers still need to find roster space (and buy out his contract overseas), but Bolden could play valuable minutes as a reserve big behind Amir Johnson and Nemanja Bjelica in the rotation.

He showed out in last year’s Vegas tournament, displaying the kind of defensive versatility that has become vital in the modern NBA. At 6-foot-10, Bolden can switch on the perimeter and defend the rim at a high level.

His upside as a shooter and transition playmaker are also intriguing at the four/five spots.

Demetrius Jackson, G, Sixers

Jackson was once considered a top-20 prospect in 2016,  but lingering concerns dropped him to the 45th pick. Since then, he has spent time with Boston, Houston and Philly — with the latter coming on a two-way contract.

The Sixers probably won’t give him that spot next season, but he’s still a talented guard who can carve out a role in the NBA. His athleticism and shot-making stood out at Notre Dame.

(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Potential training camp invites

While not likely to make the roster, these players could earn their shot in training camp.

Cameron Oliver, F/C, Nevada

Oliver is a strong-bodied big who can shoot from three-point range. As he looks to gain traction in the NBA, his upside as a small-ball five should have some appeal. Of everybody in this group, he’s the most likely candidate to compete for a two-way contract next season.

Norvel Pelle, C, G-League

After spending last summer with the Heat, Pelle spent time in the G-League with the 87ers (now Blue Coats). An athletic 6-foot-11 rim protector, Pelle put together some impressive defensive sequences in 2017.

His athleticism and shot-blocking is something NBA teams will monitor. He fits a valuable niche in the modern NBA and could, with his hustle and defensive energy, catch the attention of Brett Brown.

This breakdown from Liberty Ballers’ Jake Hyman is worth reading.

Must Read: An early look at the Sixers' rotation

Devyn Marble, G, Italy

A former second-round pick in 2014, Marble played 44 games over two seasons with the Orlando Magic. He averaged 2.2 points per game, posting shooting splits of 30.4/22.2/37.5 over that stretch. The 25-year-old is trying to work his way back onto the NBA radar.

Askia Booker, G, Spain

The former Colorado point guard spent last season playing overseas, but has also been part of the Sixers’ G-League system. The fact that Brett Brown and company are already familiar with his game could be beneficial.

Chris McCullough, C, Wizards

The 29th overall pick in 2015, McCullough averaged 3.3 points and 1.2 rebounds per game in three seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards. A long, athletic big who can hit the occasional three ball, he has the first-round pedigree needed to get another NBA look.

Isaiah Miles, G, Turkey

Miles spent last summer with the Sixers’ Summer League squad, meaning familiarity is (once again) a factor. He’s also producing at a decent rate overseas, with the 24-year-old earning some serious looks from NBA talent evaluators.

Next: 3 reasons Sixers won the 2018 offseason

The other names: Devondrick Walker, Elijah Bryant, Norbertas Giga

Christopher Kline

Christopher Kline

Staff Writer, FanSided.com