The Summer Sixers took to the hardwood once again Saturday night, nearly mounting a successful comeback against the Charlotte Hornets. However, they would ultimately fall by a final score of 96-94.
Fans missed out on yet another top prospect matchup in the Sixers’ second game of Vegas action. As the Summer League opened up on Thursday, July 10, the Sixers’ No. 3 pick, VJ Edgecombe, was set to face off against the League’s No. 2 pick, Dylan Harper, until both players missed the matchup due to injury. Flash forward to Saturday night, Edgecombe and the Hornets’ No. 4 pick, Kon Knueppel, would both miss their second game of the Vegas Summer League due to injury.
Despite the absence of these promising players, the overall matchup between the two Eastern Conference teams was competitive down to the wire. While Philadelphia’s fourth quarter comeback bid was cut short, there were a few Sixers who stood out.
The new kid on the block
When the Sixers signed Dominick Barlow to his two-way contract, the original intent was not for him to participate in the Vegas Summer League, that is, not until Barlow approached the Sixers and asked to play. The forward has quickly taken to the additional court time, showcasing the size, athleticism, and rebounding prowess that intrigued the Sixers to begin with. Barlow finished the game with 19 points, nine rebounds, and three steals.
The opportunity is there for Barlow as Philadelphia remains without much depth at power forward. The Sixers brought in Trendon Watford and Jabari Walker, who will both figure into the equation, but remain without a true starter at the position. Barlow is not qualified for that position at this point in his career, but a bench committee of those three will likely lead the Sixers in minutes at the position until a starting-caliber player can be acquired.
Keep the faith with Hunter Sallis
Hunter Sallis‘ Vegas debut went about as poorly as could be, as he scored just two points while missing all six shots he took from the field. Sallis’ two games during the Salt Lake City Summer League were unceremonious to say the least so coming into this matchup, there was already much for the young Sixer to prove.
While during the course of an NBA season, a player in the midst of a cold streak might seem less likely to get opportunities until they earn them otherwise, Sixers’ Summer League head coach TJ DiLeo instead inserted Sallis into the starting lineup, while giving him primary ball-handling responsibilities during the absence of both VJ Edgecombe and Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Although Sallis may not have blown viewers away with his scoring prowess, he did well to fill out the stat sheet, finishing with eight points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals, two blocks, and just one turnover. He’s yet to showcase one truly dominant trait, but the Sixers would be wise to provide Sallis with more on-ball opportunities to prove himself.
Other standouts
Second-year Sixers Adem Bona and Justin Edwards were both solid in their own ways; Bona quite literally. Following a stellar rookie campaign, Adem Bona has come into the Summer League looking bigger, stronger, and better than most other centers on the court. While he continues to struggle with fouls and turnovers, Bona has been a constant vocal leader and physically dominant throughout the Summer League.
Like Bona, Justin Edwards had a successful rookie season in Philadelphia. However, his summer has not been nearly as encouraging. Perhaps no Sixer has struggled more without NBA-level playmaking than Edwards, who has struggled to shoot with consistency throughout both Summer Leagues. Still, as the summer has gone on and as this game went on, Edwards continues to improve.
Second-round rookie Johni Broome continues to show off his range and soft, well-controlled hands while rebounding the ball with a nice level of efficiency. Between now and the start of the season, the Sixers will be looking for even more success from the 35th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft
Finally, Judah Mintz continues his torrid summer scoring streak, scoring over 20 points for the third time in five games between Salt Lake City and Vegas. As has been the case in each of his games, Mintz’s consistent ability to create contact toward the rim and finish through contact. While the Sixers have little opportunity for Mintz, considering their excess of young guard talent, he continues to be an intriguing young player who could continue to grow as a part of Philadelphia’s organization.
