CON to Sixers drafting Jaden Springer: Might not be an immediate contributor
Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle have spoiled Sixers fans in recent years when it comes to seeing rookies contribute at a high level. Thybulle played 20 minutes per game in 2019 while Maxey went a shade over 15 minutes per game in 2020.
Both of those players were also more ready than Springer coming out though. Maxey only played one season at Kentucky, sure, but he was also 20 when he was drafted. Springer is currently 18 and will turn 19 just a month before the 2021 NBA season kicks off. Josh Primo, Josh Giddey, and Jonathan Kuminga were the other “18 going on 19” year olds in the draft.
Age is one of the reasons he’s a rawer guard prospect than say Thybulle or Maxey. Springer will certainly scrap his way into the rotation, but he’s probably closer to the fifth or sixth guy off the bench than the second or third.
Springer’s skill set is ultimately why I refuse to call him a project. I don’t think the variance in outcomes is nearly as great as, say, the Warriors’ selection of the aforementioned G-League prospect Kuminga. It’s more a matter of when than if, but that might rub Sixers fans who’ve had the pleasure of watching some great rookie seasons in the last few years. Springer is likely a year and a half away from playing a crucial role.