Sixers standouts at training camp: Jaden Springer
"“What he’s doing on the defensive end, pressuring and getting screens, [Spencer Rivers] calls him unscreenable. To be unscreenable in the NBA, that’s a good job.” — Tyrese Maxey (via Keith Pompey/The Philadelphia Inquirer)"
Jaden Springer was the 28th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He was 18 years old at the time. Last season, the Sixers’ first-round pick played a total of six NBA minutes, including the playoffs. He was buried on the bench, often assigned to Delaware and largely forgotten to the broader fanbase.
Now, on the precipice of his second NBA season, Springer is starting to make some noise. Doc Rivers emphasized that Springer still isn’t ready — so don’t expect him to play big minutes in 2022 — but he has been a terror defensively in the early days of training camp. P.J. Tucker expressed his appreciation as well, per Keith Pompey, describing Springer’s play as “bulldozing,” even if he doesn’t fully understand how to play the NBA game yet.
Springer faces an uphill battle for playing time in the near future, but he’s well positioned to learn from a slew of quality defenders on the roster. His energy level and dedication should eventually pay off. Springer was picked in the first-round for a reason. He moves like a running back and was a standout defensively at Tennessee. The tools are there, and Philly has a fairly strong recent track record of player development.
The Sixers will have to figure out Springer’s role offensively at some point, and the 20-year-old needs to work day and night to iron out his jumper, but the signs are positive. Springer is clearly making an impression on his teammates and his coaching staff.