Sixers on the chopping block: Jaden Springer
Jaden Springer spent the majority of his rookie season in the G-League — out of sight, out of mind for many in the fanbase. It’s easy to forget that he was a first-round pick. The 28th pick, a pick that many at the time (myself included) considered absolute highway robbery. Springer was widely graded as a top-20 prospect, even a lottery prospect in some eyes. Why, just one year later, are so many writing his obituary?
It’s true, Springer was no particularly impressive in Summer League. He didn’t put up eye-popping numbers in the G-League either, and his exceedingly brief forays into NBA ball were never much to write home about. But, at 19 years old, Springer is still extremely young. He was the youngest player drafted last season, and Philadelphia was never under any illusion that he would be an immediate contributor.
The Sixers are a deep team. They can afford to take a flier here and there. Springer’s contract is also guaranteed for 2022-23, which is not the case for a couple other players currently in the roster danger zone. He’s probably easy to trade (his $2.1 million contract is below the veteran league minimum, and plenty of rebuilding teams would be wise to take interest), but the Sixers should hang tight. He’s 19!
Springer was drafted for his excellent defensive instincts and unique athleticism. He’s a guard in a running back’s body, rumbling downhill and using his strength to carve out lanes to finish around the rim. He needs to improve the jumper and get more comfortable handling the ball, but Springer’s smarts and two-way potential warrant some level of optimism. He may not pan out, but why jump ship so early?