Sixers: Grading every player’s 2021-22 season

The Sixers once again fell short of the NBA championship, this time with a second round exit to Jimmy Butler (sigh) and the Miami Heat. Philadelphia faces another offseason full of questions, and frankly, I’m not one hundred percent sure what the answers are. This team has to look inward, engage in self-reflection, and then determine the path forward.

Even so, there was plenty of celebrate. The unmatched greatness of Joel Embiid, the rise of Tyrese Maxey, that lovely James Harden honeymoon period. It was a fun (if turbulent) season, and there’s still a lot to be excited about.

With the 2021-22 season officially in the rearview mirror, let’s go down the roster and hand out grades for each individual player (this is not a scientific process, but grades are generally relative to expectations).

Grading every Sixers player: Jaden Springer // C+

Jaden Springer played six total regular season minutes for the Sixers. He actually played more in the playoffs than in the regular season. We just didn’t see enough of him to get any real read on his future. Springer was one of the youngest players in the draft and he was always going to need time. That said, six total minutes for your first-round pick does stand out. Springer was not dominant in the G-League, but he showed plenty of two-way flashes in line with the pre-draft intrigue around him. I’m still in on Springer.

Grading every Sixers player: Charles Bassey // B+

Charles Bassey has been lurking in the shadows all season. He dominated in the G-League, he flashed tantalizing talent in his brief playing time with the Sixers, and we all heard tales of how impressive he was in practice. The former five-star recruit has all the physical tools necessary to carve out a role in the NBA. It’s up to Doc Rivers to actually play him.

Grading every Sixers player: Charlie Brown Jr. // B

Charlie Brown Jr. played commendable basketball when Doc Rivers actually went to him. It’s hard for two-way players to separate themselves at the NBA level, but Brown is a legitimate NBA athlete and NBA defender. His offense leaves a lot to be desired, and he probably won’t stick around long-term, but there’s something there.

Grading every Sixers player: Myles Powell // D+

Myles Powell was pretty much invisible in the NBA and he wasn’t particularly special in the G-League either. He’s already 24 years old and with James Harden on the roster, there’s no longer that lingering question of whether Philly has a real backup point guard. Powell’s probably not going to stick around.