With the NBA Draft looming just around the corner, it’s the perfect moment to take a trip down memory lane and dive into the Philadelphia 76ers’ draft history. The Sixers have a reputation for making some serious moves in the draft, grabbing players who not only bring talent but eventually become pillars of the franchise. While we often hear about the big stars, it’s equally interesting to see how later-round picks have shaped the team’s roster and future.
One such example comes from the 2021 NBA Draft. That year, the Sixers picked Charles Bassey with the 53rd overall pick, coming out of Western Kentucky. Now, Bassey wasn’t a household name right away — but the guy was an athletic big man who showed flashes of real potential early on. His journey with Philly was one of steady development, with glimpses here and there that hinted he could be a valuable piece down the line.
During his rookie season in 2021-22, Bassey played in 23 games for the Sixers. His stats might not jump off the page — averaging about 3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game — but the numbers don’t tell the full story. What stood out was his hustle and the way he managed to carve out some meaningful minutes as a backup to none other than Joel Embiid, the franchise’s superstar center. That’s no small feat, especially for a second-round pick.
One memorable moment for Bassey came during a game against the Denver Nuggets, where he swatted away three shots coming off the bench. Even though the Sixers lost that game, it was a glimpse of what Bassey could bring defensively. His timing and athleticism in protecting the rim gave fans a taste of his upside. Those blocks weren’t just stats — they were moments of energy that could help swing momentum if he continued to grow.
Yet, despite these flashes, the Sixers made the tough decision to waive Charles Bassey just before the start of the 2022-23 season. It’s one of those harsh realities in the NBA — roster spots are precious, and teams often have to make difficult calls on players who show promise but maybe aren’t quite ready to contribute consistently at the highest level.
After leaving Philadelphia, Bassey quickly found a new home with the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs, known for their strong player development system, gave him a chance to continue his growth. Unfortunately, injuries have slowed him down a bit, which has limited his ability to make a bigger impact on the court. But when healthy, Bassey has been productive during his minutes with San Antonio, showing that he still has the tools to be a solid role player in the league.
It’s worth highlighting just how challenging the journey can be for late second-round picks like Bassey. The odds are stacked against these players compared to first-rounders who often get guaranteed contracts and more opportunities. But Bassey’s story is a reminder that hard work, athleticism, and the right fit with a team can keep a career alive even after setbacks.
Looking back on the Sixers’ draft history overall, they’ve had a mix of hits and misses, which is par for the course for any franchise. Some picks turn into franchise-changing stars, while others end up as solid role players or find success elsewhere. The key takeaway is how the team uses the draft not just to build around their superstar talents like Joel Embiid but also to add depth and future potential.
If you dig deeper into the Sixers’ draft strategies, you’ll notice they often try to balance selecting big men who can protect the rim and rebound with versatile wings who can stretch the floor. That’s been a consistent theme over the years as the NBA increasingly favors athleticism and spacing.
Charles Bassey’s journey exemplifies that balance — a big man with the athletic traits to impact the game on defense, but still developing offensively and consistency-wise. And while his time in Philly was short-lived, the fact that he earned minutes as a rookie backup to Embiid speaks volumes about what the coaching staff saw in him.
As the upcoming draft approaches, the Sixers are once again looking to add pieces who can complement their core and push the team deeper into playoff contention. History tells us to keep an eye not only on the lottery picks but also those late-round gems who might just surprise us.
So what lessons can we take from Bassey’s time with Philadelphia? For starters, the importance of patience and development in the NBA. Not every draft pick becomes a star overnight, and even talented athletes need the right situation and time to flourish. Secondly, it shows how competitive the league is — making a roster spot as a late second-round pick is a constant battle. And finally, it reminds fans to stay open-minded about players who might fly under the radar but could eventually contribute in meaningful ways.
In short, the Sixers’ draft story, particularly from 2021 with Charles Bassey, is one of promise, challenge, and growth. It’s a microcosm of how NBA teams build for the future — one pick, one player, and one opportunity at a time.
Key Takeaways:
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The Sixers have a history of drafting impactful players, balancing star power with role players.
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Charles Bassey, the 53rd pick in 2021, showed flashes as a rim protector and rebounder.
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Bassey played 23 games in his rookie season, averaging modest stats but earning valuable experience backing up Joel Embiid.
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Despite potential, the Sixers waived him before the 2022-23 season; he signed with the Spurs afterward.
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Injuries slowed Bassey’s progress, but he remains productive when healthy.
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His story highlights the tough road for late second-round picks and the value of development and opportunity.
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The Sixers’ draft approach emphasizes building around their stars with versatile role players, particularly athletic big men.
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Fans should watch for late-round picks who might emerge as surprise contributors in the NBA.
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