The regular season is almost done and the Philadelphia 76ers should be focused on the postseason. That being written, there was a decision made prior to the season beginning which is now affecting the team’s depth.
Most Sixers fans know that before the season began, Philly had to make at least one roster cut and the decision came down to two young players. It seemed like either Charles Bassey or Isaiah Joe was on the chopping block.
However, in a twisted turn of events the franchise waived both of them to open up a roster spot for a veteran down the road. Looking back now, that might be one of the bigger mistakes the president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has made during his tenure with the club as Dewayne Dedmon ended up being the veteran that he signed.
The Sixers made a mistake waiving both Isaiah Joe and Charles Bassey.
Both Joe and Bassey showed flashes of potential with Philly, but due to head coach Doc Rivers’ preference to not play young players, neither could get the playing time needed to develop. As a result, waiving them was an acceptable move at the time.
However, each player has found a new home a thrived. Joe landed on the Oklahoma City Thunder and has become an elite marksman. He’s averaged 8.9 points on 42.0 percent from the 3-point line. He’s been a consistent part of their rotation and seems to be part of their future.
Bassey landed with the San Antonio Spurs where before he had a season-ending injury, he was showing legit potential in their rotation. He was averaging 5.7 points and 5.5 rebounds with the Spurs. Both players are below the age of 24 years old and the Sixers gave up on both of them.
Instead of investing on the potential they went for Dedmon who is 33-year-old and is a nine-year veteran. He was waived by the Miami Heat who need better center depth and has been playing sparingly for Philly since his arrival. With the Sixers, he’s averaging 2.0 points and 2.2 rebounds.
In short, the Philadelphia 76ers gave up on two young players for Dedmon and he clearly hasn’t been worth it.