Springer breaks out as Summer Sixers beat Jazz

Even without a few of their top players, the Summer Sixers closed out the Summer League on a high note.

First-round pick Jaden Springer led the way in a 103-98 win over the Jazz Tuesday at the Las Vegas Summer League.

Here are observations from the victory.

Springer Flashes

Springer had been quiet through the first four Summer League games. Right from the opening tip, he looked much more assertive in this one with Tyrese Maxey (non-injury), Isaiah Joe (left MCL sprain) and Rayjon Tucker (non-injury) out of the lineup.

The 18-year-old’s best offensive trait is his ability to use his size and strength to get to his spaces on the floor. His off-the-dribble midrange game, which wasn’t working in prior games, was much better Tuesday.

Springer finished with a team-high 21 points on 8 of 14 from the field. He also went 5 of 6 from the line. He hasn’t shot the three ball particularly well (0 for 2 Tuesday), but you could see the offensive flashes. He also continues to show strong defensive instincts, adding two steals and proving to be a strong on-ball defender.

Bball Paul Comes Alive

Playing without Maxey and Joe, Paul Reed got off to slow start. In general, it felt like the game didn’t have much juice early on and it was reflective in Reed’s play. On the day, Reed had seven fouls and four turnovers.

In the second half Reed was able to give the Sixers a boost with his patented activity level. He recorded yet another double-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. He also knocked a three on two attempts.

Mason and Henry Stand Out

Aaron Henry had also been mostly quiet through the first four Summer League games, but broke out Tuesday. Henry, who went undrafted and signed a two-way deal with the Sixers, displays creation ability going back to his time at Michigan State. As we all know, shot creation is something the Sixers are sorely lacking.

Henry also shot the three ball well, making 3 of 5. Henry regressed from the outside during his time with the Spartans. It could be the swing skill that determines his future. Overall, Henry just seems to be the type of player that makes good things happen. He should be a player to watch in Delaware this season.

Frank Mason III missed the first couple Summer League games with a groin injury. Tuesday seemed to be the game where he looked most like himself. Mason is a true point guard with NBA experience. He seems like an ideal player to sign to an Exhibit 10 contract and get a look at in training camp.

Mason can create off the dribble and was an above-average shooter in the G League. He went 2 of 5 from distance, and recorded 15 points, five rebounds and four assists Tuesday. He also had just one turnover.