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Spurs

James Harden has averaged at least 15 field goal attempts per game in each of his last 10 regular seasons, encompassing his entire tenure with the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. He's put up at least 12 shots per game in 10 ten postseason appearances since 2013.&nbsp;
So when Harden took just two attempts in the Sixers' Game 6 exit against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals, it was jarring to those who watch Harden and those who have followed the drama of the franchise over the past year. After all, it was just one season ago where Ben Simmons' shot selection created a firestorm that ultimately led to February's blockbuster deal.
But this felt different. Harden is one of the greatest scorers the NBA has ever seen. And the performance distracted from the fact that, even in his battle against Father Time, Harden is still one of the most talented floor generals in the world.&nbsp;
His "down" year included 22.0 points, 10.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game spanning a tenuous winter with the Nets and a midseason trade to Philadelphia. He still has the step-back, the strength and the court vision, even as his quick first step appears to be sputtering with age and injuries.
Harden is a game-changer for the 76ers, and it's why he is by far the chief offseason storyline. The 32-year-old holds a player option for next season. He could either opt-in and potentially sign an extension that could pay over $60 million in 2026-27, or decline and test the waters in unrestricted free agency. One more interesting wrinkle: According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, few around the league expect Philly to pony up with that max contract extension:
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/WindhorstESPN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WindhorstESPN</a> says to pump the brakes on Harden returning to Philadelphia next season with a max deal. "Nobody in the NBA believes that the Sixers are going to give James Harden a max contract.&rdquo; <a href="https://t.co/vASDx6p0ek">pic.twitter.com/vASDx6p0ek</a>
&mdash; Get Up (@GetUpESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GetUpESPN/status/1525118767511924736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2022</a></blockquote>

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It's a pivotal summer for Harden and the franchise. Should Philadelphia <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/signing-james-harden-to-a-max-contract-could-cripple-the-sixers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">commit upwards of $200 million to a guard showing signs of physical decline who turns 33 next season</a>? Or should the team lower the offer and risk seeing an extremely talented, experienced playmaker (and a great fit with Joel Embiid) walk?
So Harden's contract is item No. 1 on president of basketball operations Daryl Morey's agenda. The next is evaluating which current rotation players are fit for long-term success.&nbsp;
Ten different Sixers averaged 10 or more minutes per game in the playoffs. It often felt like Sixers head coach Doc Rivers didn't know where to look for help outside of Embiid, Harden, Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey. DeAndre Jordan, Matisse Thybulle and Georges Niang, among others, frequently drew the ire of fans on social media.&nbsp;
Jordan will hit the open market this summer along with fellow veteran big man Paul Millsap. But Philly doesn't have many other free agency decisions to make; Shake Milton (team option), Myles Powell (restricted) and Harden are the only others to monitor.
The luxury tax hampers the 76ers, who will only have the taxpayer mid-level exception to add free agents unless Harden leaves and opens up some cap space. That MLE is valued at approximately $6.3 million. Maybe Philly locks in a permanent backup center like Thomas Bryant or Chris Boucher? Or perhaps they look for wings, whether it be a shooter like Bryn Forbes or a playmaker such as Kyle Anderson. Either way, it's at least a chance to reel in a rotation-caliber addition.
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The Sixers are also absent from the current NBA Draft picture. They traded their first-rounder to Brooklyn in the James Harden trade (though the Nets can defer that pick to 2023) and their second-rounder is headed to Miami.&nbsp;
If Philly wants to make a serious splash, it'll have to turn to the trade machine. Morey has reasonable pieces at his disposal. Thybulle, for all of his offensive warts, is one of the best wing defenders in the NBA and will make just $4.38 million next season before entering restricted free agency. Niang is set to enter the final year of his current contract and will collect $3.47 million. Harris still has two years left on his massive deal, but the 29-year-old deserves credit for a resurgent playoff effort.
Ultimately, Morey's maneuvering will only do so much for a Sixers roster in need of tweaks and growth. The biggest development might come in the offseason gym with young players who have yet to realize their potential.
Paul Reed emerged as a high-energy bench big in the playoffs, but still has leaps to make away from the boards. Charles Bassey, picked 53rd overall last season, is another athletic center preparing for his opportunity. We're still waiting on 22-year-old Isaiah Joe (non-guaranteed for next season) to round out his flashes of microwave perimeter scoring.
I was a fan of Jaden Springer, last year's No. 28 overall pick, at draft time. Springer averaged 15.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game with the Delaware Blue Coats in the G League, flying around on defense. But he still has a long way to go as an NBA guard on offense.
If any of these players break through into the full-time rotation next year, that's a major win for the 76ers development system. Trades can only accomplish so much when teams are sending pieces out to make additions. For Philly to take that next step as a championship contender, they'll need to see in-house improvement from Harden, the supporting cast and the young guns.
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James Harden's pending player option highlights a pivotal summer for the 76ers. Ethan Fuller dives in.

2022 NBA offseason preview: What's next for the Philadelphia 76ers?

CLEVELAND (AP) — Joel Embiid had 35 points and 17 rebounds, James Harden scored 21 points and added 11 assists and the Philadelphia 76ers edged the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-114 on Wednesday night.
Embiid was a game-time decision with a sore back, but showed no signs of the injury on his 28th birthday. The All-Star center and MVP candidate shot 13 of 19 from the field, including 1 of 3 from 3-point range, and was 8 of 10 from the foul line while adding five assists in 35 minutes.
Darius Garland had 22 points and seven assists for the Cavaliers, who lead Toronto by a half-game in the race for sixth place in the Eastern Conference. All-Star center Jarrett Allen missed his fifth consecutive game with a broken left finger.
Cleveland, which trailed by 17 in the second quarter, took a 104-103 lead on a 3-pointer by Lauri Markkanen with 3:47 remaining. Harden answered with a pair of free throws 27 seconds later to put the 76ers in front for good.
Tyrese Maxey’s 3-pointer extended Philadelphia’s lead to 110-106 with 1:19 left, and Harden and Maxey combined to make 6 of 6 free throws in the final 20 seconds to lock up the win. There were seven lead changes and four ties in the fourth quarter.
Maxey scored eight of his 25 points in the fourth. Isaac Okoro had 17 points and Evan Mobley added 13 points and nine rebounds for Cleveland.
The Cavaliers went ahead for the first time at 87-85 on a 3-pointer by Brandon Goodwin late in the third. Kevin Love’s 3 extended the advantage to 90-85 at the end of the period, completing a 12-0 run over 4:42.
The 76ers built a 52-35 lead midway through the second, then carried a 72-59 advantage into the break behind 20 points, 11 boards and four assists from Embiid. Harris scored 16 points and Harden had 10 points and five assists.
Philadelphia took command from the start, jumping ahead 19-4 and 26-10 as Embiid racked up 13 points and eight rebounds in the first. Cleveland missed its first 10 3-pointers.
POTENTIAL PREVIEW
The 76ers and Cavaliers are lined up to meet in the first round of the playoffs, but Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff said it's “way too early to look at that with (13 regular-season games) left.” Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers praised the job Bickerstaff has done in cultivating chemistry. ”The Cavs play together and they like each other, which is rare for a young team," Rivers said. “That jumps right out when you watch them.”
TIP-INS
76ers: Harden dished out 84 assists in his first eight games after being acquired from Brooklyn on Feb. 10. “James knows when to be aggressive and when to pass,” Rivers said, chuckling. “You ingratiate yourself really quickly to new teammates when you pass to them.” ... Two-way G Myles Powell, C Charles Bassey and G Jaden Springer are on G League assignments with the Delaware Blue Coats.
Cavaliers: F Dean Wade (right knee soreness), who has started 28 games, missed his second straight contest. Bickerstaff said Wade was able to manage the injury until it became too painful to play. ... G Rajon Rondo (right ankle sprain) was inactive and has sat out 13 games with various right leg issues since being traded by the Lakers on Jan. 3. ... Cleveland plays eight of its final 13 games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
UP NEXT
76ers: Host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.
Cavaliers: Host the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Joel Embiid had 35 points and 17 rebounds and the Philadelphia 76ers edged the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-114.

Embiid has 35 points, 17 rebounds as 76ers beat Cavs 118-114

Sixers rookie&nbsp;Charles Bassey&nbsp;&mdash; the No. 53 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Western Kentucky &mdash; plans to sign the one-year, non-guaranteed tender, sources said. Bassey and the 76ers have so far been unable to land a rookie deal.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/2789891/2021/08/30/ben-simmons-update-one-on-one-with-liangelo-ball-plus-more-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Bassey did not play in Summer League as contract negotiations were ongoing. It is unclear if the two sides will continue to work on a larger deal, or if signing the one-year tender will ultimately be the decision. Bassey averaged 17.6 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game in 2020-21 at Western Kentucky.

Bassey averaged 17.6 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game in 2020-21 at Western Kentucky.

Sixers' Charles Bassey plans to sign 1-year tender, yet to agree on contract

With the 2021 NBA Draft just days away, BasketballNews.com's Lead NBA Draft Analyst Matt Babcock has put together a list of the top available prospects by position. He recently listed the draft's top&nbsp;<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/2021-nba-draft-top-point-guards-in-this-class" target="_blank" rel="noopener">point guards</a>, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/2021-nba-draft-top-shooting-guards-in-this-class" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shooting guards</a>, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/2021-nba-draft-top-small-forwards-in-this-class" target="_blank" rel="noopener">small forwards</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/2021-nba-draft-top-power-forwards-in-this-class" target="_blank" rel="noopener">power forwards</a>.
Here are the top centers in this class:
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<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/evan-mobley" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evan Mobley, USC</a>
Standing 7-feet tall with a 7-foot-4 wingspan while also being a fluid athlete, Evan Mobley utilizes his unique combination of length and mobility to be an elite rim protector. He has also shown flashes of being an effective passer and outside shooter. Overall, it&rsquo;s rare to find players with his size, skill, and athleticism, making him a special prospect.&nbsp;
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<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/alperen-sengun" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alperen Sengun, Beşiktaş</a>
At 18 years old, Alperen Sengun has continued to record phenomenal numbers and dominate the Turkish Super League - a credible professional league in Turkey. With adequate footwork and skills, he is an elite interior scorer. He has great vision and awareness for a big man, allowing him to facilitate for his teammates. He is certainly powerful, but lacks athleticism, so his defensive impact is a question at the moment. All in all, Sengun&rsquo;s production is impressive for a player his age.
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<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/day-ron-sharpe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Day'Ron Sharpe, North Carolina</a>
A big, physical presence on the interior, Day&rsquo;Ron Sharpe also has great vision as a passer too. He excels at facilitating out of the post and has an array of low-post moves as a scorer as well. Sharpe will need to clean up his footwork and techniques on the defensive end, but overall, he shows great promise. At the very least, he should be solid player at the next level.
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<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/charles-bassey" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charles Bassey, Western Kentucky</a>
After overcoming injuries, Charles Bassey dominated his competition last season. He is physically imposing with solid strength and athleticism, which helped him average a double-double. Bassey is a menace on the glass and provides energy as a rim-runner, showing that he may be able to provide value as a backup NBA center.
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<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/sandro-mamukelashvili" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sandro Mamukelashvili, Seton Hall</a>
Sandro Mamukelashvili is a unique prospect; he's a 6-foot-9 big man who is comfortable with the ball in his hands, running the pick-and-roll and stretching the floor. The Tbilisi, Georgia native averaged 17.5 points per game and improved as a playmaker as a senior. His lack of athleticism may be a concern on the defensive end, but his versatility makes him an intriguing option.
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<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/neemias-queta" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Neemias Queta, Utah State</a>
Neemias Queta took a huge step forward during the 2020-21 season, averaging a double-double for the Aggies. Also, the 7-footer from Portugal improved as both a passer and shot-blocker, averaging 3.3 blocks per game (third-most in the NCAA). He isn't a threat to stretch the floor, but he could provide valuable backup minutes in the NBA with his size, rim-running, and shot-blocking prowess.
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<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/filip-petrusev" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Filip Petrusev, Mega Basket</a>
The former Gonzaga Bulldog has been playing very well for Mega Basket this season, averaging 23.6 points in 21 Adriatic League games. He is a strong interior scorer and is rapidly improving as a shooter, giving promise to NBA potential. He will need to improve both his on-ball and team defense, but his skillset makes him an interesting prospect.
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<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/jericho-sim" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jericho Sims, Texas </a>
Sims had a strong year for the Longhorns, but has really gotten traction late in the NBA pre-draft process. He is an incredible athlete, weighing 250 pounds with 5.5% body fat, and he posted a 44.5-inch max vertical at the Combine. He is a menace on the glass on both ends of the floor, plays with a great motor, and excels down low in the dunker spot and as a rim protector.
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<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luka Garza, Iowa</a>
Luka Garza swept all six of the National Player of the Year awards by averaging 24.1 points and 8.7 rebounds as a senior for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Despite being dominant as a scorer both inside and out at the college level, questions remain about his limitations on the defensive end, as there are concerns about his mobility and quickness.

BasketballNews.com's Lead NBA Draft Analyst Matt Babcock put together a list of the top centers in the 2021 NBA Draft.

2021 NBA Draft: Top centers in this class

The NBA released some key numbers to remember ahead of Thursday's NBA Draft:
The 2021 NBA Draft will take place on Thursday, July 29 at 8 p.m. ET at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.&nbsp;&nbsp;ABC&nbsp;will televise the&nbsp;first round of the NBA Draft&nbsp;for the first time, and ESPN will air both rounds.&nbsp;
Twenty draft prospects are scheduled to attend and have their once-in-a-lifetime experience on the biggest stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum will announce the selections for the first and second rounds, respectively.&nbsp;
Here is a by-the-numbers look at this year&rsquo;s NBA Draft:&nbsp;
History &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 &ndash;&nbsp;Since the NBA Draft Lottery began in 1985,&nbsp;four&nbsp;first overall picks have won an NBA championship with the team that drafted them: David Robinson (San Antonio Spurs; first pick in 1987), Tim Duncan (Spurs; first pick in 1997), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers; first pick in 2003) and Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers; first pick in 2011).&nbsp;James won an NBA championship in his second stint with Cleveland. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6 &ndash;&nbsp;Since the two-round format was adopted in 1989, Kentucky holds the record for the university with the most picks in an NBA Draft &ndash;&nbsp;six&nbsp;each in 2012 and 2015. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;Barclays Center will host the NBA Draft for the&nbsp;eighth&nbsp;time.&nbsp;It last hosted the event in 2019 prior to the pandemic. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11 &ndash;&nbsp;A college freshman has been the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft in each of the last&nbsp;11&nbsp;years. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15 &ndash;&nbsp;This marks the&nbsp;15th&nbsp;consecutive year that Adam Silver will announce draft selections as either deputy commissioner (seven years) or commissioner (eight years including 2021). &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1947 &ndash;&nbsp;The NBA Draft will be held in July for the first time since&nbsp;1947, the year of the inaugural draft.
Prospects &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 &ndash;&nbsp;In 2020-21, USC forward-center Evan Mobley became the&nbsp;first&nbsp;player to win the Pac-12 Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards in the same season. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 &ndash;&nbsp;Florida State forward Scottie Barnes, NBA G League Ignite guard Jalen Green and Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs have won&nbsp;three&nbsp;gold medals together with USA Basketball in international play: 2019 FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup, 2018 FIBA U-17 Basketball World Cup and 2017 FIBA U-16 Americas Championship. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 &ndash;&nbsp;Four&nbsp;2021 NBA Draft prospects were teammates on the Montverde (Fla.) Academy team that went 25-0 during the 2019-20 high school season: Scottie Barnes, Oklahoma State guard Cade Cunningham, Arkansas guard Moses Moody and North Carolina center Day'Ron Sharpe.&nbsp;&nbsp; &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.6 &ndash;&nbsp;Adelaide 36ers guard Josh Giddey (Australia) led Australia&rsquo;s National Basketball League in assists with&nbsp;7.6&nbsp;per game in the 2020-21 season. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19 &ndash;&nbsp;Besiktas forward Alperen Sengun (Turkey), the 2020-21 Turkish League MVP, turned&nbsp;19&nbsp;on July 25. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48 &ndash;&nbsp;Tennessee guard&nbsp;Keon Johnson set the NBA Combine record with a max vertical jump of&nbsp;48&nbsp;inches.&nbsp;&nbsp; &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;75 &ndash;&nbsp;Last season, Cade&nbsp;Cunningham became Oklahoma State&rsquo;s first consensus All-America First Team selection in&nbsp;75&nbsp;years.
Teams &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2 &ndash;&nbsp;The Houston Rockets franchise is set to select&nbsp;second&nbsp;overall in the NBA Draft for the first time in 51 years.&nbsp;In 1970, the then San Diego Rockets selected five-time NBA All-Star Rudy Tomjanovich with the No. 2 pick. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 &ndash;&nbsp;The Oklahoma City Thunder has&nbsp;three&nbsp;picks in both the first round (Nos. 6, 16 and 18 overall) and the second round (Nos. 34, 36 and 55 overall). &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 &ndash;&nbsp;The Toronto Raptors are poised to pick&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;overall in the NBA Draft for the first time since selecting newly elected Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Chris Bosh at that spot in 2003. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7 &ndash;&nbsp;The Golden State Warriors&rsquo; first pick in the NBA Draft is at No.&nbsp;7&nbsp;overall, a spot where they have selected five-time NBA All-Star Chris Mullin (1985), two-time Kia NBA MVP Stephen Curry (2009) and NBA champion Harrison Barnes (2012) during the NBA Draft Lottery era. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49 &ndash;&nbsp;The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to pick third overall in the NBA Draft for the first time in&nbsp;49&nbsp;years. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;51 &ndash;&nbsp;The Detroit Pistons are poised&nbsp;to make the first pick in&nbsp;the NBA Draft for the first time in&nbsp;51&nbsp;years.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 1970, the Pistons used the top pick to select eight-time NBA All-Star Bob Lanier, a longtime ambassador for the NBA Cares program.&nbsp;
Family Ties &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.2 &ndash;&nbsp;Auburn guard&nbsp;Sharife Cooper&rsquo;s&nbsp;sister, Te&rsquo;a Cooper, is currently averaging&nbsp;9.2&nbsp;points per game with the Los Angeles Sparks in her second WNBA season.&nbsp;&nbsp; &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10 &ndash;&nbsp;Michigan forward Franz Wagner (Germany) and his brother, Orlando Magic forward-center Moritz Wagner, were both All-Big&nbsp;Ten&nbsp;Team selections with the Wolverines.&nbsp;&nbsp; &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12 &ndash;&nbsp;Houston guard&nbsp;Quentin Grimes&rsquo;&nbsp;brother, NHL veteran Tyler Myers, was selected&nbsp;12th&nbsp;overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.&nbsp; &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33 &ndash;&nbsp;Boise State&nbsp;forward&nbsp;Derrick Alston Jr.&rsquo;s father, Derrick Sr., was the&nbsp;33rd&nbsp;overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft and played three seasons in the league.&nbsp; &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1984 &ndash;&nbsp;Tennessee guard Jaden Springer is the son of Gary Springer, who was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the&nbsp;1984&nbsp;NBA Draft. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1992 &ndash;&nbsp;Loyola Maryland forward&nbsp;Santi&nbsp;Aldama (Spain)&nbsp;is the son of Santiago&nbsp;Aldama&nbsp;Ales&oacute;n, who was a&nbsp;member of the Spanish National Team that competed against the Dream Team at the&nbsp;1992&nbsp;Barcelona Olympics.&nbsp; &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2015 &ndash;&nbsp;Gonzaga guard&nbsp;Joel&nbsp;Ayayi (France)&nbsp;is the brother of&nbsp;Valeriane&nbsp;Ayayi&nbsp;Vukosavljevic, who played in the WNBA in&nbsp;2015.&nbsp;
Global Game &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 &ndash;&nbsp;Australia&rsquo;s Josh Giddey is poised to become the&nbsp;first&nbsp;NBA Academy graduate to be drafted into the NBA.&nbsp;Giddey attended NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Australia. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;If NBA G League Ignite forward Jonathan Kuminga is drafted in the top&nbsp;six, he would be the highest-drafted player from the Democratic Republic of the Congo since Dikembe Mutombo was drafted fourth overall in 1991. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9 &ndash;&nbsp;Last year, a record&nbsp;nine&nbsp;players from or with ties to Nigeria were drafted: Isaac Okoro, Onyeka Okongwu, Aaron Nesmith, Precious Achiuwa, Zeke Nnaji, Udoka Azubuike, Desmond Bane, Daniel Oturu and Jordan Nwora. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13 &ndash;&nbsp;Thirteen&nbsp;international players have been selected No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft, most recently Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (Bahamas) in 2018. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;27 &ndash;&nbsp;A record&nbsp;27&nbsp;international players were selected in the 2016 NBA Draft, including a record 15 in the first round and a record-tying 12 in the second round. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;68 &ndash; Sixty-eight&nbsp;former Basketball Without Borders campers have been drafted into the NBA.&nbsp;This year&rsquo;s class features a number of potential draftees with BWB experience, including Gonzaga guard Joel Ayayi (France; BWB Europe 2017), Western Kentucky forward-center Charles Bassey (Nigeria; BWB Global 2017 &amp; 2018), Paris Basket guard Juhann Begarin (France; BWB Europe 2019; BWB Global 2020), Zalgiris Kaunas guard Rokas Jokubaitis (Lithuania; BWB Europe 2017), Adelaide 36ers guard Josh Giddey (Australia; BWB Asia 2018; BWB Global 2020), Texas forward-center Kai Jones (Bahamas; BWB Americas 2017), Seton Hall forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (Georgia; BWB Global 2017), KK Mega Basket forward-center Filip Petrusev (Serbia; BWB Europe 2017; BWB Global 2018), Alabama guard Josh Primo (Canada; BWB Global 2020) and Oostende forward Amar Sylla (Senegal; BWB Africa 2018; BWB Global 2019). &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;215/25 &ndash;&nbsp;The NBA Draft will reach fans live in&nbsp;215&nbsp;countries and territories in&nbsp;25&nbsp;languages on their televisions, computers, mobile devices and tablets. &nbsp; NBA G League &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 &ndash;&nbsp;Four&nbsp;former five-star high school prospects who helped lead NBA G League Ignite to the 2021 NBA G League Playoffs are entered in the&nbsp;NBA Draft:&nbsp;Jalen&nbsp;Green, Jonathan&nbsp;Kuminga, guard&nbsp;Daishen Nix and forward Isaiah Todd.&nbsp;&nbsp; &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24 &ndash;&nbsp;Twenty-four&nbsp;of the 60 players who were selected in the 2020 NBA Draft played in the NBA G League during the 2020-21 season, including five first-round selections. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49 &ndash;&nbsp;Daishen&nbsp;Nix&nbsp;has a chance to join Carlos Boozer, Mario Chalmers and Trajan Langdon as NBA players who grew up in the&nbsp;49th&nbsp;state &ndash; Alaska.&nbsp; &nbsp; ESPN &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 &ndash;&nbsp;The NBA Draft will air on both ABC and ESPN for the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time ever. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;Five&nbsp;virtual technology cameras will be used for the telecast. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;ABC and ESPN&rsquo;s on-air talent will feature&nbsp;12&nbsp;reporters. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19 &ndash;&nbsp;ESPN will present the NBA Draft for the&nbsp;19th&nbsp;consecutive year. &nbsp; NBA TV &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 &ndash;&nbsp;NBA TV&rsquo;s NBA Draft night coverage will include&nbsp;four&nbsp;former first-round picks: Rex Chapman, No. 8 in 1988; Brian Shaw, No. 24 in 1988; Jim Jackson, No. 4 in 1992; and Brendan Haywood, No. 20 in 2001. &nbsp; Partners &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;38&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;Wilson was last used as the official basketball of the NBA&nbsp;38&nbsp;years ago.&nbsp;Last seen on the court in the 1983 NBA Finals, Wilson basketballs will adorn the green room at the NBA Draft and will join the latest draft class on the court for the 2021-22 season. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;75&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;The NBA Draft Cap from New Era features the commemorative NBA&nbsp;75th&nbsp;Anniversary Season logo and marks the first league-licensed product to carry the logo.

The 2021 NBA Draft: By the Numbers

BasketballNews.com had the opportunity to speak with Western Kentucky big man and NBA prospect Charles Bassey ahead of the 2021 NBA Draft.
Matt Babcock: Can you tell me about your family, where you are from and what your childhood was like?
Charles Bassey: I&rsquo;m proudly from Lagos, Nigeria&rsquo;s largest city. I grew up in a small, two-bedroom home with my mother and father in one room and my two sisters and I sharing the other room. It was a tough environment and a struggle growing up, as we really had to fend for ourselves, but I wouldn&rsquo;t change anything about it because it made me the strong-minded man I am today. It taught me what hard work was all about and to always keep pushing!
Did you play any other sports as a child and how did basketball come into your life? Bassey: As a kid, I grew up playing soccer because that was the most popular sport in Lagos everyone played, and had fun doing so. I really started playing basketball when I was 13, and I fell in love with the game right away. Long story short, I was helping my family sell stuff on the side of the road when I was approached by [a youth basketball coach] Coach Oladale who mentioned that I should start playing basketball because of my height. He introduced me to the game and started training me. I've been obsessed with basketball ever since.
Do you think any of your soccer skills have helped you in basketball?
Bassey: 100% yes, the footwork I learned while playing soccer translated over to the basketball court. Because of soccer, my footwork on the basketball court helped me stand out from the rest of the players. I was quicker on my feet, so that helped with my defensive positioning, rebounding, and post moves early on. When playing soccer, you also develop quick instincts, which made learning the game of basketball much easier for me.
You attended the Giants of Africa camp when you were young, how did that camp help you?
Bassey: The Giants of Africa camp helped me a lot, especially since I was the youngest player at the camp that first year. I gained so much confidence, and it taught me that my young age didn&rsquo;t matter because I was still able to show my skills, work hard and play great against older competition. That camp really put me on the map; they rewarded my hard work and play by inviting me back the next year, and I ended up being the MVP of the camp that year. It was a great experience. I showed that I was hard-working, talented and ready for the next step.
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When did you come to the United States?
Bassey: I came to the United States when I was 14.
What were your feelings about leaving home?
Bassey: Leaving home was very tough for me because I was essentially leaving my parents and the rest of my family behind at the time, but it was something I knew I had to do in order to grow and achieve my dreams. My family was very supportive and pushed me to go so that I could have a better life, meet new people and create new experiences.
What were the hardest parts for you living in the United States, initially?
Bassey: Initially, the hardest part was simply learning the English language and being able to communicate with people in the states. At first, I would struggle at restaurants ordering food and communicating what I wanted or needed. But over time, I would learn a lot from my friends by listening to their conversations and watching their mouths move. I&rsquo;m a great listener, so I&rsquo;d watch TV shows, listen to music and hear my friends&rsquo; conversations. That helped me learn English a lot quicker.
While in high school, you reclassified and enrolled at Western Kentucky. What made you want to reclassify and start your college career early?
Bassey: I&rsquo;m very competitive and always looking for my next challenge. At that time, I felt that I was ready for the next step in my career. At that point, I was dominating my opponents in high school, and I really wanted to improve and play against bigger and stronger guys. When I arrived on campus, I quickly realized the practices were more challenging, the game speed was faster-paced and you really had to think on your feet. It was the exact challenge I needed and wanted. I stepped up right away.
You were heavily recruited out of high school, what led you to decide to attend Western Kentucky?
Bassey: I attended Western Kentucky because of Coach [Rick] Stansbury and the rest of the staff. They recruited me early on in my career and attended almost all of my high school and AAU games. They were always in the gym, just like me. They were honest, made me feel comfortable and promised to push me hard in order to get me where I needed to be. Coach was also well-known for player development.
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Were there any other schools you considered?
Bassey: The University of Louisville.
Describe your game to me.
Bassey: My game is very unique mainly because of how versatile I am on both ends of the floor, offensively and defensively. I have a high motor, which allows me to be a defensive anchor [to] guard 1-5,&nbsp; an elite shot-blocker while keeping the ball inbounds and a great rebounder on both ends. Offensively, I&rsquo;m good in the pick-and-roll setting, can create deep post position [as a rim-runner], consistently shoot a 15-foot, face-up jumper, and have improved on my shooting ability in terms of stretching the floor from three. I feel that I&rsquo;m just scratching the surface in terms of my true potential.
What is your greatest strength and weakness as a basketball player?
Bassey: My greatest strength is my ability to rebound at a high level and create second-chance opportunities for my team. Given our style of play on the defensive end at Western Kentucky -- although I can do it -- we didn&rsquo;t switch a lot on screens, so that is something I need to continue to improve on and become more consistent at.
What else do you need to do to improve?
Bassey: I don&rsquo;t think there is any substitute for continuing to be in the gym 24/7, getting reps in and working as hard as possible, like I&rsquo;ve always done. I&rsquo;m working a lot on my offensive game in terms of being able to consistently step out and knock down a three.
How tall are you and how much do you currently weigh?
Bassey: 6-foot-11, 235 pounds.
You&rsquo;ve dealt with some unfortunate injuries. Walk me through your injury history and how are you doing physically currently.
Bassey: The injury was tough, but ultimately it was a true blessing in disguise, as it allowed me to watch a ton of film and, most importantly, change my diet and get my body right. It changed my perspective on hard work and allowed me to push myself beyond what I thought my limits were. I came back better than ever both physically and mentally, and my numbers showed that. I&rsquo;m 100% healthy and have been since I initially returned to the court.
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Do you have any goals set for yourself in regards to your body? For example, do you want to add muscle, slim down, etc.?
Bassey: Last summer, I completely changed my body which allowed me to bounce back better than ever. I now eat, train and recover like a pro so I just want to continue to do that.
Do you have any current or former players that you model your game after?
Bassey: Draymond Green, Bam Adebayo and Montrezl Harrell.
Are there any specific teams that you&rsquo;d like to play for?
Bassey: I&rsquo;d be happy with any NBA team that selects me in the draft, but what excites me the most about the NBA is that players are continuing to get better, day-in and day-out. Teams like the Spurs, Thunder and Hornets, to name a few, have had tremendous success with developing players into superstars.
Can you name one short-term goal and long-term goal that you have set for yourself?
Bassey: My short-term goal is just to get into the right situation and fit with an NBA team where I can make an immediate impact; the rest will take care of itself. In terms of my long-term goals, I&rsquo;d want to be a Defensive Player of the Year, All-Star and [NBA] champion.
What drives you? 
Bassey: My family and proving people wrong. Ever since I can remember, I&rsquo;ve been doubted, and I&rsquo;ve proven people wrong every step of the way and I&rsquo;ll continue to do that.
Let&rsquo;s pretend you&rsquo;ve walked into an elevator with a general manager that is considering selecting you, what&rsquo;s your elevator pitch as to why you are his guy?
Bassey: I&rsquo;m a team-first guy that will do anything I&rsquo;m asked of in order to help my team win. Additionally, I&rsquo;m a high motor/max effort type of player with a versatile skill set both offensively and defensively, which brings added value to any team and aligns well with how today&rsquo;s NBA game is played. Aside from all the great things I can do on the court, I&rsquo;m also a solid teammate and an even better person off the court.&nbsp;
BasketballNews.com currently has Bassey listed No. 41 on its <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2021 NBA Mock Draft</a>.

Matt Babcock speaks with Charles Bassey about his upbringing in Nigeria, finding basketball, overcoming his injury at WKU and more.