Sixers: 5 takeaways from 2021 Summer League run

5 takeaways from Sixers Summer League: The two-ways bring grit

The Sixers signed undrafted free agent Aaron Henry to a two-way contract after the draft. He was the No. 49 prospect on my big board. Then, the Sixers re-signed Rayjon Tucker to his second two-way contract after spending much of last season with the organization.

Neither was particularly explosive in Vegas, but both made clear why they are on the roster — defense. Henry was one of the best perimeter defenders in college basketball, and he looks poised to carry that reputation into the NBA. The 6-foot-5 wing has the length, anticipation, and energy level needed to stick around at the next level.

Offensively, it was a bit more of an adventure for Henry, but he finished strong with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting (3-for-5 from deep) in the Sixers’ final game versus Utah. The 3-point shot is Henry’s swing skill. If he can knock it down consistently, his defense and basketball I.Q. will give him NBA equity.

Rayjon Tucker is a slightly different story. He’s a bit older at 23 years old, and has two years of NBA experience under his belt. The opportunities have been slim to none, at least at the top level, but Tucker remains an absolute semi-truck of an athlete. He can defend multiple positions, sell tickets with his pre-game dunks, and do enough of the little things to potentially get by on offense.

Similarly to Henry, a more reliable 3-point shot would solve a lot of Tucker’s problems. Until then, he will rely mostly on toughness, athleticism, and sheer force of will to carve out a name for himself in the NBA. And he may very well do so. He had flashes as a rookie in Utah, and has no shortage of NBA physical tools.