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In a sleepy, turnover-ridden contest, Isaiah Joe nailed the game-winning three with 25 seconds left to give the Sixers a 80-79 victory over the Thunder in summer league action Thursday night.
There appeared to be many tired legs out on the floor in Salt Lake, but there won’t be much rest for the weary as the Sixers head to Vegas. They’ll take on the Raptors Saturday afternoon.
Here are a few notes from some of the standout Summer Sixers:
Isaiah Joe: 19 points (4 of 6 from three), 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists
Joe has been OK in summer league competition so far, but came alive late in this one.
He hit a couple threes late in the first half to get the Sixers back in the game, but was mostly unnoticeable. He really revved it up in the fourth quarter where he hit big shots and stepped up his defense.
His three late in the game proved to be the game-winner.
(GAME) WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER! https://t.co/PR5dTnEr3T pic.twitter.com/94S7go2ggs
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 7, 2022
This feels like a big offseason and training camp for Joe in his third NBA season and on a non-guaranteed deal. He’s flashed potential as a 3-and-D wing, something the Sixers could certainly use.
Paul Reed: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
Why is Paul Reed here? It’s been obvious through three games that he is a cut above just about every player on the floor. We’ve seen him play mostly at the four, a position Doc Rivers has said he ultimately believes Bball Paul is best suited for. Perhaps getting him a longer at that position is part of it.
One of the things that can make him viable at the four is hitting threes like he has thus far in the G League. He hasn’t taken many at the NBA level (2 of 14), but has hit 43.6 percent for Delaware. He made one early on Thursday and it appears his shot may have a little less of a hitch to it.
P. R33D! pic.twitter.com/G4FKuqs3RH
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 7, 2022
Overall, Reed just continued to do Reed stuff, being super active and seemingly always around the ball. Send him back to Philly and get him ready to back up Joel Embiid.
Jaden Springer: 11 points, (3 of 13, 5 of 7 FTs), 6 rebounds, 3 assists
As you’d expect from a 19-year-old, Springer has been up and down to start the summer league. He got off to an explosive start, scoring nine points in the first quarter. His lightning quick first step and elite athleticism were on full display as he drove to the rim. He was able to draw seven free free throws in the first half.
Summer League but it feels like Spring(er). pic.twitter.com/N4JYjOWhWU
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 7, 2022
Springer was quiet the rest of the night, scoring just two points the rest of the way.
The biggest thing that will likely keep Springer from earning NBA minutes anytime soon is his jumper. He was 0 for 4 from three Thursday after going 0 for 2 Tuesday. It looks like it takes Springer a long time to load up his shot. He also seems a little hesitant. His defense continues to look NBA-ready.
Michael Foster, Jr.: 2 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks
The G League Ignite alum, who earned the start at center, is an interesting prospect. He showed off his athleticism and shot-blocking instincts in the first half.
pictured here: two of the blocks https://t.co/IaClGrEupw pic.twitter.com/04Ng2MyZvN
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 7, 2022
.@MikeFoster_ threw it DOWN. pic.twitter.com/yixIqMd1hd
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 7, 2022
Foster looks mighty raw, but he has intriguing tools. He looks like a decent candidate to try to bring in for a spot on the Blue Coats — maybe even a two-way spot given the struggles of one of the players below.
Trevelin Queen: 2 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
After an impressive debut, Queen never seemed to find his footing Thursday. Also signed to a non-guaranteed deal, the G League MVP is facing an uphill battle to make the Sixers’ roster. He’s flashed some playmaking ability and plays with a high motor, but struggled with decision-making (and perhaps fatigue) against OKC, committing four turnovers.
Julian Champagnie: 4 points (2 of 5), 3 rebounds, 2 assists
I know it’s only summer league, but it seems fair to be slightly concerned about Champagnie. The team signed the undrafted rookie out of St. John’s to a two-way contract. His shooting at 6-foot-8 was likely his most intriguing skill, but he has struggled mightily in that capacity. He was 0 for 2 from distance Thursday after going 0 for 6 Wednesday. He’s 0 for 10 from three in summer league play overall.
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