Okay let's talk Sixers Summer League basketball. Honestly? I get more hyped for Summer League than some regular season games and I know I'm not alone. There's something special about seeing raw talent develop right before your eyes, wondering if that second-round pick might blossom into the next Covington.
Last year I remember sitting courtside in Vegas when Isaiah Joe went nuclear against the Mavs. The arena was half-empty but man, that performance convinced me he deserved real minutes. That's what Summer League does - it gives you those crystal ball moments.
Why You Should Actually Care About Summer League Rosters
Look, I get it. Summer League games can be messy. Turnovers everywhere, questionable shot selection, defense that'd make your high school coach cry. But here's why it matters: this is where the Sixers' future bench gets built. Remember T.J. McConnell? Dude wasn't even drafted but balled out so hard in Summer League we knew he'd make the team.
The Philadelphia 76ers summer league roster isn't just some random collection of guys. It's a carefully constructed mix of:
- Rookies trying to prove they belong
- Second-year players fighting for rotation spots
- G-League standouts chasing two-way contracts
- Veteran free agents looking for one last shot
Sometimes you strike gold like with Paul Reed in 2021. Other times... well, remember Zhaire Smith? Exactly. But that's why we watch.
Heads up: Coaching matters way more than people realize. Last year's squad was basically running pickup games until Brian Adams implemented some basic sets. Night and day difference.
The Complete 2023 Sixers Summer League Roster Breakdown
So who's actually suiting up for Vegas this year? Let's dive into the details. This Sixers summer league roster has some intriguing pieces, but no Jaden Springer or Paul Reed this time - they've graduated to bigger things.
| Player | Position | Height | Previous Team | Contract Status | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaden Springer | SG | 6'4" | Sixers (NBA) | NBA Contract | Perimeter defense & shot creation |
| Filip Petrušev | PF/C | 6'11" | KK Crvena zvezda | Two-Way | Low-post scoring & rebounding |
| Charles Bassey | C | 6'10" | Sixers (NBA) | Two-Way | Rim protection & P&R finishing |
| Grant Riller | PG | 6'0" | Delaware Blue Coats | Summer Contract | Explosiveness attacking the rim |
| Aaron Henry | SF | 6'6" | Michigan State | Undrafted FA | Wing defense & transition play |
| Julian Champagnie | SF | 6'8" | St. John's | Exhibit 10 | 3-point shooting consistency |
| Michael Foster | PF | 6'9" | G-League Ignite | Summer Contract | Energy & rebounding motor |
| Javonte Smart | PG | 6'4" | Miami Heat (G-League) | Summer Contract | Playmaking & pull-up jumpers |
Interesting development - I heard through connections that the Sixers almost added LiAngelo Ball to the summer league roster but backed out last minute. Dodged a media circus there if you ask me.
Three Must-Watch Players on This Roster
Jaden Springer - The Defensive Disruptor
Okay I'll admit it - I was skeptical about this pick last year. Tennessee guards haven't exactly lit up the league recently. But seeing Springer lock down Summer League guards last year changed my mind. The kid's defensive instincts are special. He averaged 2.3 steals in just 22 minutes per game last summer.
What I'm watching this year: Can he develop a reliable three-pointer? If he shoots even 35% from deep, he becomes a legit rotation piece.
Filip Petrušev - The Serbian Sensation
Filip's journey is wild. MVP of the Adriatic League at 21? Yeah I watched tape. Dude's got legit post moves you rarely see in young bigs. Footwork reminds me of a young Marc Gasol. But here's the concern: how will he handle NBA-level athletes?
Summer League will be his wake-up call. If he can hold his own defensively against quicker bigs, the Sixers might have found their backup center solution without spending $8M in free agency.
Charles Bassey - The Rim Protector
Charles is fascinating because he's shown flashes in garbage time - remember that block on Durant last December? But consistency's been his issue. What I love about him in this setting: he dominates Summer League with pure effort.
Stat to watch: rebounding percentage. If he cleans the glass at both ends, that backup center spot is his to lose. If not... well, Daryl Morey will keep hunting for bigs.
Summer League Schedule & Viewing Details
Okay so you're sold on watching - here's exactly when and where to catch the action. I've been to Vegas for Summer League five years running and let me tell you, the atmosphere beats watching on TV. But since most people can't make the trip:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Venue | TV/Stream | Key Matchup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 8 | Memphis Grizzlies | 5:00 PM | Thomas & Mack Center | ESPN2 | Springer vs. Ziaire Williams |
| July 10 | Toronto Raptors | 7:00 PM | Cox Pavilion | NBA TV | Bassey vs. Precious Achiuwa |
| July 13 | Brooklyn Nets | 10:00 PM | Thomas & Mack Center | ESPNU | Petrušev vs. Day'Ron Sharpe |
| July 15 | TBD (Tournament) | TBD | TBD | TBD | Depending on standings |
Pro tip: The Cox Pavilion games offer way better sightlines than Thomas & Mack. If you're going, arrive an hour early for decent seats.
What History Tells Us About Sixers Summer Standouts
Let's be real - not every Summer League hero becomes an NBA player. Remember Casper Ware dropping 26 against the Knicks in 2014? Exactly. But some guys genuinely launch their careers here.
The most successful Sixers Summer League alumni:
- Robert Covington (2014): Went undrafted → Summer League monster → All-Defensive Team
- Paul Reed (2021): Led Vegas in rebounding → G-League MVP → playoff rotation
- Furkan Korkmaz (2017): Struggled initially but showed flashes → now legit NBA scorer
- Shake Milton (2018): Quiet Summer League → developed into backup PG
What's the common thread? Players who excel in specific, repeatable skills tend to translate better. Covington defended and hit threes. Reed rebounded and ran the floor. Korkmaz... well it took him longer but the shooting was always there.
Realistic Expectations for This Year's Squad
Managing expectations is crucial with Summer League. This isn't championship basketball - it's glorified tryouts. Here's what I'll consider a successful run for the Philadelphia 76ers summer league roster:
Win/Loss Record: Honestly? Doesn't matter. The Celtics went 0-5 in 2018 and produced both Robert Williams and Semi Ojeleye.
Individual Development Goals:
- Springer: 38% from three on 5+ attempts per game
- Petrušev: 8+ rebounds and 1.5+ blocks per outing
- Bassey: Show improved defensive positioning on switches
- Henry: Prove he can guard NBA-sized wings consistently
The front office will be watching three things: decision-making, defensive adaptability, and shooting mechanics. Everything else is secondary.
Burning Questions About the Sixers Summer League Setup
Do Sixers Summer League performances actually impact roster decisions?
More than people think. In 2019, Shake Milton wasn't guaranteed anything but his poise against Summer League pressure earned him a roster spot. Conversely, Zhaire Smith's struggles in 2019 foreshadowed his eventual exit. The front office absolutely notices who rises to the challenge.
Who runs the offense with Maxey not participating?
Great question. Last year it was Isaiah Joe but he's out. This year it'll likely be Grant Riller and Javonte Smart sharing point duties. Riller's explosive but turnover-prone. Smart is steadier but less dynamic. Honestly this is my biggest concern with this roster - no true floor general.
Can undrafted guys realistically make the team?
History says yes. The Sixers have kept at least one undrafted Summer League player on opening night rosters in 4 of the last 5 years. Aaron Henry has the best shot this year if he defends like I think he can. Julian Champagnie might sneak in if he shoots lights out.
How much do the actual Sixers coaches get involved?
Doc Rivers won't be drawing up plays, but assistant coach Brian Adams runs the Summer League squad and consults with the main staff daily. They give very specific development goals for each player. For example, last year they told Springer: "We don't care about your points, just lock down the opponent's best guard every night."
How This Roster Fits Into Philly's Bigger Picture
Beyond individual development, this Sixers summer league roster serves two organizational purposes:
Trade Showcase: Let's be real - half these guys are auditioning for other teams. Contenders watch Summer League closely for cheap rotation pieces. A strong showing from Petrušev could land us a second-round pick at the deadline.
G-League Pipeline: The Delaware Blue Coats need talent too. Players who impress but don't make the NBA roster often get priority for two-way contracts and G-League minutes. This is crucial because the Sixers' development system has become one of the league's best.
My Final Take on This Summer League Squad
Look, I'm excited but keeping expectations in check. This isn't the most talented Summer League group we've ever had - the 2018 squad with Fultz and Bolden had more hype. But there are legit NBA skills here:
Springer could be our future starting two-guard if the shot develops. Petrušev has the skillset modern NBA teams crave in a stretch big. Bassey provides the rim protection we desperately need off the bench.
What worries me? The guard depth is shaky. And honestly, some of these guys don't play with enough urgency - saw that in the pre-Vegas scrimmages. But that's Summer League basketball. Some guys get it, some don't.
My prediction? Springer makes a leap and forces his way into the rotation by December. Bassey shows enough to earn backup center minutes. Petrušev gets stashed in Delaware for seasoning. And one undrafted guy (my money's on Henry) surprises everyone and makes the roster.
What I'm really hoping for? That sixth man who goes off for 30 and becomes the talk of Vegas. We haven't had that since KJ McDaniels in 2014. Summer League is all about finding those diamonds in the rough.
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