With the Summer League Sixers finishing 2-1 during their trip to Utah for the Salt Lake City Summer League, they now head to Las Vegas for the main event for the summer. The Philadelphia 76ers were able to pick up victories against the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder, while their lone loss came against the Memphis Grizzlies. There were a few standouts who performed well in SLC, but all eyes turn to Las Vegas, where the entire league will be watching.
This year’s Summer Sixers roster has some “veterans” who are trying to establish their role on the team and newcomers who are looking to impress not only the Philadelphia 76ers but other teams around the league. With the roster set, take a look at some Sixers to watch for in Vegas:
Isaiah Joe
If Isaiah Joe plays, he will be one of the main attractions for the 76ers. Paul Reed has already proclaimed that he most likely sit out the games in Las Vegas, so Joe will be the most tenured Sixer that plays. Joe’s play was up and down in Utah, and if he plays, many will be looking for more consistency with him. He was 8-18 from three-point range in two games played and looking to ultimately carve out a role as a movement shooter on the main roster.
If he plays, Joe will get a chance to continue to show he can be a shooter the team can count on. With questions about whether Joe will be on the roster, he can help sway the organization’s opinion with a good showing.
Trevelin Queen
During the first day of free agency, Trevelin Queen agreed to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal worth $3.5 million, with a partial guarantee next season. Queen had a solid debut in Utah with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists but followed that up with a 2-point 0-6 performance. Most fans had some higher expectations for Queen, but he seemed to be trying to fit in and find his way.
During the Las Vegas Summer League, look for Queen to be more aggressive and to play his game. With Reed not playing and Joe’s status up in the air, he will be counted to provide scoring and playmaking for the team. Queen averaged 25.3 ppg, 6.7 RPG, and 5.2 APG during his G-League MVP season. The organization hopes to get a glimpse of that player during the summer league. If they do, Queen will not only make an impression to secure his roster spot, but he could impress coaches to think about him when they are creating the rotations going into training camp.
Jaden Springer
A lot of eyes will be on second-year guard Jaden Springer to see if he can continue his development. His athleticism was on full display in Utah, making high-flying layups and crazy blocks. One thing to look out for in Vegas is how confident Springer is as a shooter and a primary ball-handler. As Springer fights for a rotation spot on the main roster, he needs to show a much-improved perimeter game, more specifically, an improved catch and shoot jumper. He won’t be counted on as a ball-handler, but if he can show physicality on defense and better shooting, there could be a role for him on the Philadelphia 76ers this upcoming season.
Filip Petrusev
Filip Petrusev was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft and was a draft and stash. Although he played for the Philadelphia 76ers’ Summer League team last year, he didn’t play on the main roster but instead returned overseas to play for Anadolu Efes in the Turkish Super League. Petrusev didn’t perform well in Turkey against better competition, so it will be interesting to see what he can show to convince the Philadelphia 76ers that he is ready for the NBA or the G League.
Other Philadelphia 76ers to Watch
Michael Foster Jr.
Julian Champagnie
The 76ers have a loaded summer league roster and will be one of the better teams in town. These players listed above will determine how well the team plays and if they can hoist the Summer League Championship.
