Sixers: Can Jaden Springer crack crowded guard rotation as a rookie?

The Philadelphia 76ers selected Jaden Springer with the 28th overall pick in the NBA Draft. Springer joins a roster with substantial guard depth which raises the question: Will he be able to crack the Sixers’ rotation during his upcoming rookie season?

First let me introduce you to Springer. The 18-year old Tennessee Volunteer made the SEC All-Freshman team last year while averaging 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Springer earned his way into the Volunteers’ starting lineup a few months into the season and was a contributing factor during the team’s climb to a midseason AP National poll ranking of sixth.

So how exactly does Springer fit into the 76ers roster and future plans? Well, the best person to answer that question is Daryl Morey, Sixers general manager, and he did just that after the draft:

"“It’s pretty rare to have a guy, especially at 28, who’s already demonstrated a strong level of play in college before age 19. We just thought that combination was too unique to pass up.”"

The Sixers struck gold with Jaden Springer, but does the 18-year-old have what it takes to contribute as a rookie?

Obviously, this team is in win-now mode and ready to compete for an NBA championship now which requires veterans and professionally tested players. However, Springer is a knockdown shooter; he averaged 43.5 percent from deep in his one season at Tennessee and shooters are exactly what the Sixers need, or any team for that matter. You can never have enough shooters and as Morey said, Springer is an investment. He is a proven player who has yet to turn 19 years old and that is rare and valuable in today’s NBA.

Lastly, we arrive at the current guards on the Sixers roster which include Seth Curry, Matisse Thybulle, Tyrese Maxey, Shake Milton and Isaiah Joe. And that is just the guards currently under contract. It doesn’t include Danny Green, George Hill and Furkan Korkmaz, whose futures with the team are currently unknown. There is a lot of offseason remaining and with Morey’s tendency to make trades, I am confident not all these guards will be on the opening night roster.

Every player I just mentioned has NBA experience and, with the exception of Joe, garnered substantial playing time at various points throughout last season for a Sixers team that had realistic championship aspirations. Therefore, at least for this upcoming season, I do not foresee Springer playing any meaningful minutes, and that is okay. No one is expecting a rookie drafted 28th to contribute to a team that is looking to avenge last season’s disappointment and attempt to win the NBA championship.