Sixers: Grades for all 3 picks in 2021 NBA Draft

Sixers draft grades 2021 — Charles Bassey, 53rd pick

Charles Bassey was once considered a potential No. 1 pick. He earned five stars coming out of high school and made the somewhat unconventional decision to play at Western Kentucky, where he would end up spending three years of his life. Bassey never delivered on the top-5 hype, but he remains an intriguing prospect with real NBA equity.

Against the lowly competition of Conference USA, Bassey turned in one of the most physically dominant seasons in college basketball. As a junior, the 20-year-old ran roughshod over lower-level bigs, averaging 17.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game. That is rare production, combined with rare pedigree, available in the 50s.

The downside, of course, is that Bassey has a long way to go before contributing in the NBA. He’s a great finisher and shot-blocker, but he cannot defend in space and lacks discipline on both sides of the ball. He will pick up fouls and commit turnovers at a high clip — habits the Sixers must curb if Bassey is to ever serve as Joel Embiid’s backup.

In the end, Bassey’s sheer physical mass — 6-foot-11, 230 pounds, 7-foot-3 wingspan — combined with his hustle, makes him a worthwhile pick late in the second round. He plays a much different style than Petrusev, and gives the Sixers a chance to evaluate different potential solutions behind Embiid. Smart move, in my book.