Sixers Keep Or Pass Part 3: Who The Sixers Retain For Next Season
By Ray Boyd
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- We have taken a look at two-thirds of the players who finished the season on the Sixers roster so far in "Sixers Keep or Pass."
Sixers Keep Or Pass: Part 1 | Part 2
Now, we examine the last five players to see who the Sixers might retain going into next season and who the team might part ways with.
SF/PF Jerami Grant: KEEP
Jerami Grant came on slow with the Sixers, but he certainly arrived in a big way considering that he was selected in the second round of last year's draft. Grant finished the season with averages of 6.3 points and 3.0 rebounds.
While the numbers might be somewhat modest, Grant showed quite a bit of versatility on the offensive end. He had stretches throughout the year when he was knocking down three pointers with some consistency and he showed a knack to get to the rim against slower big men and finish above the rim. His length also made him an asset on the defensive end as he can guard both forward positions and challenge shots at the rim.
At 21, the Sixers would be smart to continue to develop Grant's game. He has built up a reputation as a player that is willing to work hard and grow.
SG/SF Hollis Thompson: KEEP
Hollis Thompson was undrafted out of Georgetown and in two seasons in the league deserves a lot of credit. He has transformed himself into an NBA player by finding a legitimate specialty and improving on his craft.
Thompson averaged 8.8 points per game for the Sixers this past season. He also shot 40.1 percent from long distance for the second straight season. The Sixers will more than likely be addressing the back court throughout this off-season to supplement the front court talent they have gathered. While that may hurt Thompson's chances to return, he has certainly proved that he is worth the look.
PG Isaiah Canaan: KEEP
Isaiah Canaan was a midseason acquisition for the Sixers from Houston. Canaan is under contract for next season and becomes a restricted free agent the following off-season.
In 22 games with the Sixers, Canaan averaged 12.6 points and 3.1 assists. He also shot over 36 percent from three point range.
Canaan came as advertised. He is a score first point guard with the ability to stretch the floor with his three point shooting ability. Canaan is not the future of this team at the point guard position. However, he could be a piece that the team looks to continue to develop and could be a very strong second-unit leader.
Canaan's connection to Sam Hinkie from their Houston days is something that may keep him around and get him an extended look in a Sixers jersey.
SG/SF JaKarr Sampson: PASS
JaKarr Sampson simply hoped to make the Sixers as an undrafted free agent and he wound up playing in 74 games and starting in 32 in his rookie season. Sampson averaged 5.2 points in his rookie campaign and proved to be a jack of all trades for Brett Brown.
Sampson guarded everything from point guards to power forwards and even served as the emergency point guard on offense as the Sixers dealt with trades and injuries that impacted that position.
Sampson certainly exceeded expectations since they really were not that high to begin with. Sampson is under contract for next season, but like most of the players on the team, that means little.
While Sampson did all that was asked of him and more, it may be tough for him to crack next season's roster with an influx of draft picks and the potential addition of Sixers prospect Jordan McRae.
SG Glenn Robinson III: PASS
Glenn Robinson III just did not get a lot of opportunities to prove himself. He played 10 games as a Sixer, starting in one of those contests. He averaged 4.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in his short stint with the team.
What Robinson III did prove was that he is very athletic and it makes sense why the Sixers wanted to at least take a look at him.
Robinson is set to become a restricted free agent and the bottom line is that it is hard to predict the Sixers bringing him back considering how short lived his time with the team was.
Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of Sixers Keep Or Pass
