While the Ben Simmons off-season sweepstakes roars on, the Sixers move closer and closer to their 2021-22 NBA season with the 76ers summer league taking place out in Las Vegas. The mini-season is designed for young stars and G league veterans to showcase their talents, while gaining valuable time on court to prep them for the upcoming season. That means that Sixers fans will get to see some of their favorite youngsters in a bigger role on the court, and a first look at the 2021 draft class in action at the 76ers summer league.

One of the big names for Philly who will take the court is everyone’s favorite rookie from last year, Tyrese Maxey. Maxey wasn’t expected to take part in the 76ers summer league games and practices, but opted in to put more work in ahead of the season. While Maxey is certainly going to be the best player out there for the Sixers, his playstyle may look a little different. Maxey told Keith Pompey earlier this week he’ll be trying a more facilitator-like role for this year’s 76ers summer league season. Maxey will be the teams starting point guard, and will certainly put up some highlight-reel plays to get Sixers fans excited.

While many fans are excited to see Tyrese Maxey in the 76ers Summer League, some are much more ampted to watch two other former Sixer rookies in much more expanded roles. Isiah Joe and BBall Paul Reed are both set to start for the Sixers in the exihibition games, giving them much more valuable time to showcase their skills. Isiah Joe is certainly a fan favorite around here, and it is easy to see why. Joe flashed his sharp-shooting ability a few times last season, and looks to become a mainstay role player off the bench next season.

Paul Reed comes in as the reigning NBA G League MVP, which earned him a spot on the Sixers final roster last season. Look out for Reed screaming into the paint for nasty dunks, as I am sure he’ll showcase his quickness that transcends his 6’9″ stature.

Finally, the 76ers summer league season will give us a first-hand look at some of the Sixers draft selections from a mere couple weeks ago. While the reception on the selection of Jaden Springer has been polarizing, Philly fans should be excited to get their first look at the Sixers first round selection. Springer’s defensive ability at the point of attack and fluid jump shot from deep should shine through in the exhibition games, leaving doubters good reason to jump ship.

Outside of Springer, many fans are excited to watch Sixer second-round selection Charles Bassey’s appearance at the 76ers summer league games. Many insider’s were ecstatic with Daryl Morey for landing the former Western Kentucky player, and it is not hard to see why. Bassey is extremely athletic at 6’11”, and showed flashes of greatness protecting the rim and catching oops in his collegiate career. I have no doubt in my mind Bassey will be all over Sixers twitter with a few posters in this year’s 76ers summer league games.

This off-season has been one giant headache thanks to the Ben Simmons situation, so take a break from all of that to enjoy the 76ers summer league youngsters show off their talents. As always, remember these are just summer league exhibition games, so there’s no need to panic over these young guys’ performances. That won’t stop me from going nuts for every Maxey and-one, Joe knockdown triple, or Reed poster though. The Sixers first game is today at 4 pm EST against the Mavericks on NBA TV.

Mandatory Credit: CBS Sports