Sixers draft history: Charles Bassey selected No. 53 back in 2021

With the NBA draft right around the corner, now is the time to look at some past drafts and see what the Philadelphia 76ers have done in their history. The Sixers have selected some big-time players in the past who have become an important part of the fabric of the franchise's history.

This edition continues to focus on the 2021 draft. In an effort to continue building their roster, the Sixers selected big man Charles Bassey with the No. 53 pick out of Western Kentucky. An athletic big man, Bassey worked hard to eventually earn some spot minutes here and there and showed off a lot of potential for the future.

He played 23 games as a rookie for the Sixers in 2021-22 averaging 3.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game. He looked like he had the opportunity to become the regular backup to Joel Embiid for quite some time. He had a game as a rookie when he had three blocks off the bench in a loss to the Denver Nuggets.

The Sixers waived Bassey shortly before the 2022-23 season and he then signed with the San Antonio Spurs. He has since battled injuries, but has been productive in his minutes for the Spurs.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers draft history: Charles Bassey selected No. 53 back in 2021