5 takeaways from Sixers Summer League: Jaden Springer needs time
Jaden Springer‘s first taste of NBA action was a mixed bag, to say the least. He looked borderline unplayable at times on offense, but still managed to mix in a couple stretches of impressive playmaking and shot-making toward the end of his five-game run.
As someone who had Springer graded around the lottery pre-draft, consider me a source of extreme confidence in his development. He’s only 18, and will have no shortage of developmental opportunities in Delaware next season, should he need them. Springer’s athleticism doesn’t pop on screen, but his newfound willingness to leap off one foot, rather than two, bodes well for his upside as a finisher.
Springer’s 3-point shot clearly needs some work, and it will take time for him to earn minutes at the next level. That said, he’s a pretty clever player already, and had several ingenious moments sprinkled amongst the general unevenness of his performance in Vegas. As a secondary ball-handler, Springer should be able to weaponize his I.Q. enough to contribute over time.
Where he hangs his hat, of course, is defense. Springer was an exceptional defender in Vegas, and if he is to earn minutes as a rookie (again, unlikely), it will be because of his excellence on that side of the ball. Springer plays with physicality and has the frame of a player who can guard much bigger opponents when necessary.
Give him time. The tools of an excellent all-around role player are there.