Former Philadelphia 76ers draft pick Charles Bassey has faced some pretty tough circumstances all summer during his foray into free agency, but fortunately for him, the basketball gods decided it was time to give him another chance to put on an audition piece to stay in the league, at least for this season.
As first reported by Shams Charania of ESPNthe Grizzlies plan to sign Charles Bassey to a 10-day signing – this is the case as their team is missing a litany of players for extended periods of time due to various injuries. The NBA granted Memphis the hardship exception, which couldn’t have come at a better time for their injury-plagued group.
Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke are still sidelined due to injuries, and it will both be some time before they return. As a result, the normally physically imposing Grizzlies are suddenly thin at the power forward and center positions, making Bassey a sensible player to pluck from the open market for the time being.
But for the ex-Sixer this is only good news. Eager to prove he still belongs in the league, Bassey even turned down some offers abroad in hopes of keeping his position in the NBA.
Former 76ers draft pick Charles Bassey is getting a new lifeline to stay in the NBA
Bassey didn’t play much for the 76ers. After being selected with the 53rd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, he played in just 23 games for Philly. Immediately after that short period, he left for the San Antonio Spurs, where he stayed for three seasons.
However, due to his problems staying on the field due to injury and general stagnation, Spurs decided not to bring him back for this season. So Bassey had to find a new home for himself, even willingly suiting up for the Celtics during their Summer League camp without any guarantees regarding an actual NBA deal.
Ultimately, that did not get off the ground. He then joined the Hawks for training camp, but unfortunately was the last player they cut before the regular season.
Although a bit undersized in the middle, Bassey is a productive shot blocker who can crash the boards well. In fact, he is not helpless in attack. Despite lacking sharpness as a goalscorer, he is a better passer than most players in his position, and he is mobile enough to survive in tough defensive schemes.
This is a good opportunity for the former 76ers big man to entrench himself in the league. While a 10-day deal hardly smacks of permanence, considering the Grizzlies are missing a lot of bodies, the Grizzlies could easily stick with him as long as he performs well.
Hopefully he does.
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