The Philadelphia 76ers should be pretty happy how their G-League affiliate the Delaware Blue Coats performed in the G-League bubble. There were positive strides in player development and they got the way to the championship game before ultimately falling short of a title matchup. Still, it’s hard to deny the rookies’ development during the G-League season.
21st pick, 2020 draft
Tyrese Maxey saw limited minutes in both games after the All-Star break for the Sixers. He shot 50.0 percent from the floor in both games, but failed to impact the game in any other area. With Joel Embiid set to miss some time due to injury, head coach Doc Rivers may have to turn to Maxey for a scoring punch off the bench.
Season averages: 7.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.1 blocks, 0.6 turnovers, and 1.2 fouls. Shooting 45.2 percent on field goals, 26.8 percent on 3-pointers, and 88.0 on free throws.
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49th pick, 2020 draft
After initially struggling in his G-League debut, Isaiah Joe showed why he was selected by the 76ers. He’s a high-volume 3-point shooter and while he did struggle with his efficiency to end the season, there’s no doubt he can get up a big amount of 3-pointers. Honestly, it would have been better if he had started the full season with the Blue Coats. There probably would have been more evidence of development in his game.
G-League playoff averages: 23.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.3 turnovers, and 1.0 fouls. Shooting 43.8 percent on field goals, 39.5 percent on 3-pointers, and 87.5 percent on free throws.
58th pick, 2020 draft
Not only does Paul Reed show that he’s worthy of being crowned as the G-League’s regular season MVP, but he also showed the most improvement of any of Philly’s rookies. That being said, he did slow down in the playoffs, especially in the championship game, which is a bit concerning. However, with Embiid out, he has a shot at getting playing time at the NBA level. Hopefully, the impressive play at the G-League level will translate to the NBA.
G-League playoff averages: 18.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.3 steals, 2.3 blocks, 2.7 turnovers, and 3.7 fouls. Shooting 45.1 percent on field goals, 35.3 percent on 3-pointers, and 75.0 on free throws.
The Philadelphia 76ers definitely benefited from the Blue Coats being in the G-League bubble. Now it will be interesting to see how the team’s rookie will use that experience moving forward.