Philadelphia 76ers Rookie Report: Jonah Bolden assigned to G-League
All of the Philadelphia 76ers rookies ended up with the franchise’s G-League affiliate the Delaware Blue Coats by the end of this past week.
Almost all of the action for the Philadelphia 76ers rookies playing time was with the Delaware Blue Coats this past week. However, with only two Blue Coats games in their season left, these Sixers rookies probably will not have access to regular playing time after Delaware’s season is over.
16th pick, 2018
It was a good week for Zhaire Smith in the regards that he started in three out of four games for Delaware this past week, but put up modest production. He only reached double-digits once this week against the Grand Rapids Drive, but only scored 11 points on 5-13 shooting from the floor. It’s clear that he has a long way to go in terms of development. Once the G-League season ends, it wouldn’t be surprising if he still didn’t see any floor time with the Sixers.
Season stats: Blue Coats
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/22/2019.
36th pick, 2017
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Jonah Bolden was the only rookie to see playing time with Philly this past week and that was impart due to the fact that Joel Embiid rested against the Charlotte Hornets. He ended the game with zero points, two rebounds, one steal, four fouls, in 12 minutes of playing time and on 0-2 shooting from the floor. Bolden’s inability to stay out of foul trouble has kept him out of the rotation as of late.
The rookie big man was assigned to the Blue Coats on March, 22nd and will be with the team in their final two games of the G-League. Unless injury occurs, it seems very unlikely that Bolden will get very many opportunities with the Sixers.
Season stats: 76ers
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/22/2019.
54th pick, 2018
This week put Shake Milton‘s versatility to the test. He started as the Blue Coats point guard twice, once at the shooting guard and even once at the power forward spot. He only scored below 20 points once this week and even had a 35 point game against the Drive. He’s proven that he can score and Brown should try to get another look at him in a 76ers uniform at some point this season, but with the depth on the wing, it seems unlikely.
Season stats: Blue Coats
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/22/2019.
Undrafted, 2018
Milton’ wasn’t the only player how had their versatility put to the test. Haywood Highsmith had started at center twice this week. He didn’t play well in either of those games. Highsmith is only 6-foot-7, so the move to put him there seems questionable, but when reviewing the opposing starting centers he faced, it makes sense.
He faced former Philly player Jakaar Sampson who is only 6-foot-8 and Todd Withers who is also 6-foot-8. It’s still clear that he struggled at the center position shooting a combined 8-22 in those two games. It’s very unlikely that Highsmith ever sees playing time in a 76ers uniform after the G-League season he had.
Season stats: Blue Coats
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/22/2019.
With all of the Philadelphia 76ers rookies with the Blue Coats now, it’s clear the likelihood of any of them getting playing time with Philly is slim. It appears that head coach Brett Brown has his rotation set and unless there is an injury or a blowout in the next ten games for the Sixers, it’s unlikely that any of Philly’s rookies will get game action moving forward.