Jaden Springer
The 76ers drafted Jaden Springer with the 28th overall selection in the 2021 NBA Draft from the University of Tennessee. This kid is a combo guard with good size at 6’4 with a high motor. What makes Springer stand out is his defensive prowess and the potential to become one of the elite defensive players in the coming years.
Springer is also underrated on the offensive end even though he still has a lot of improving to do but what rookie won’t? He is efficient shooting from midrange and can also catch and shoot effectively from behind the arc. Even though Springer has a high ceiling, he does need to improve his ball-handling in order to limit turnovers that plagued him in college as he averaged 2.4 turnovers a game at the collegiate level.
Springer also needs to be more creative with his shot selection as NBA-level defenders are more athletic and stronger. It’s understandable that Springer will experience some growing pains during his rookie campaign as he learns how to play at the NBA level but he should adapt and be able to contribute right away similar to the same way Maxey did last season. Springer will also have the luxury of learning from veterans like Seth Curry, Danny Green, and Tobias Harris as he is only 19 years old and has plenty of time to develop, but with the way rookies have been playing and making an impact in these past few seasons, we just have to see what progress he makes.
Springer is already strong, physical, and explosive, and with the right coaching and experience, he could become a legit offensive threat. His defense added with Thybulle’s lockdown ability, Embiid’s elite rim protection, and Andre Drummond’s added shot-blocking prowess, the 76ers can potentially have four elite-level defensive players on the floor together.
On the offensive end, Springer is aggressive when he attacks the basket and can finish strong, and has the physicality to challenge bigger opponents. He can also get to the foul line, and when he does, he shoots a high percentage from the charity stripe. He didn’t attempt a lot of 3- pointers in college but did shoot a very efficient 43.5 percent from downtown.
Nonetheless, Springer will still have to earn his spot on the opening day roster for the 76ers, and if he does, he should be a nice rotational player coming off the bench for head coach Doc Rivers to insert and use during key situations. If all goes well, Springer will have 76ers fans forgetting all about Simmons.