Before the season, we ranked the Sixers’ reserves in order of importance. Now, with the benefit of 15 games experience and a more concrete sense of each player’s role, it’s time to revisit that very same topic.
The Sixers are 8-7 and in the midst of a five-game losing streak. While there’s no panic around the fanbase right now — Joel Embiid is out with COVID, so the skid isn’t all that surprising — we have seen more of the reserve unit than anyone could have reasonably expected through the first month of the season.
Let’s start at the bottom.
Ranking the Sixers’ reserves — 11. Grant Riller
Grant Riller tore his meniscus in the preseason and has been sidelined ever since. He has an interesting skill package offensively, but the 6-foot jitterbug scorer will have an uphill battle to assert his presence in Philadelphia long term.
Ranking the Sixers’ reserves — 10. Aaron Henry
The Sixers have let Aaron Henry hang around the team because of injuries and absences, but he has seen two total NBA minutes in 15 games. He is a complete non-factor at the NBA level, even when the Sixers’ available roster runs only eight or nine-deep. With some playmaking chops and elite defensive pedigree at the college level, there’s reason to believe Henry can stick around. Just don’t count on much of anything this season.
Ranking the Sixers’ reserves — 9. Jaden Springer
Consider me a staunch believer in the long-term trajectory of Jaden Springer. I will buy any and all stock that’s currently being sold. That said, it’s clear the 19-year-old will see minimal playing time as a rookie. He has gone back and forth between the NBA and the G-League, joined at the hip with Aaron Henry. He, too, has two total minutes of NBA experience so far.