PRO to Sixers drafting Jaden Springer: Great value and potential
While the age concern is there, the value for the pick is about as good as the Sixers could’ve done at 28. Tre Mann, Cameron Thomas, and Bones Hyland were all off the board. Sharife Cooper was a prospect that a lot of fans were interested in, but Springer was better value to me from a fit standpoint. Plus, we now know that the Sixers could’ve traded down if they did want Cooper, so 28 would’ve been a reach.
The counterpoint to my last slide about Springer’s age being a negative in the short term is the fact that his age ultimately worked in the Sixers’ favor. Had he gone back to Tennessee, I think it’s possible that the league would’ve seen him as a lottery pick in 2022. Now, the Sixers get the chance to attach him to a playoff contender and develop him from year to year.
Frankly, I think a talent of Springer’s caliber being there at 28 effectively forced them to use the pick. Sure, the big Ben trade that could’ve gone down on draft night didn’t happen, but Daryl Morey could’ve certainly flipped that pick plus a contract like George Hill for a contributor. Coming into the night, multiple sources expected them to trade the pick:
An update from me on where the Sixers stand heading into draft night, with details on plans with No. 28 and the discussions surrounding Ben Simmons https://t.co/0IciKW1sW5
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) July 23, 2021
For a team that will likely have three max contracts at all times for the foreseeable future (an Embiid supermax, to be specific), cheap depth will be important. His on-ball defense, finishing, and 3-point skills will all be necessary to this team in the long term. One could argue that three of four years of high ceiling rookie contract control is ultimately better than one year of a vet.