The Philadelphia 76ers are bringing back a familiar face, signing center Charles Bassey to a 10-day contract. It’s a full-circle moment for the 25-year-old big man, who was originally drafted by the Sixers with the 53rd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. And while this move might fly under the radar for some, Bassey’s journey back to Philly is a testament to persistence, development, and the value of showing out when the lights are brightest.
Let’s rewind a bit. Bassey turned heads this past summer during a strong showing in Las Vegas Summer League - not with the Sixers, but with the Boston Celtics.
Despite joining Boston’s roster late in the process, the 6-foot-10 center made an immediate impact. Over three games, he averaged 15.3 points on a scorching 70.4% shooting from the field, while pulling down 11 rebounds and blocking two shots per contest.
That kind of efficiency and activity in the paint didn’t go unnoticed.
A Celtics front office executive even acknowledged how impressed they were with Bassey’s performance, saying they’d love to keep working with him if roster space allowed. But as is often the case in the NBA, opportunity isn’t always about talent - sometimes it’s about timing and fit.
Bassey, a native of Lagos, Nigeria, had options overseas, but he made it clear he wasn’t ready to leave the NBA just yet. That patience and belief in his game eventually opened new doors.
He joined the Atlanta Hawks for training camp and the preseason, and once again, he delivered. His standout moment came in an exhibition win over the Miami Heat, where he posted seven points, 17 rebounds, five blocks, and two steals - the kind of stat line that screams “I belong.”
Still, the Hawks were up against the clock and the cap. On the final day teams could waive non-guaranteed contracts without taking a full-season hit, Atlanta let Bassey go. It was a business decision, not a basketball one - his salary would’ve hit the books in full, impacting their luxury tax and apron situation.
But Bassey didn’t hang his head. He kept grinding.
He landed a 10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he made the most of limited minutes, averaging 3.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and an assist across two games. Then came a stint with the Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State’s G League affiliate, where he really found his rhythm. In 10 games, Bassey averaged 18.7 points and 11.2 rebounds - production that reminded everyone why he was once a highly touted prospect coming out of college.
Now, he’s back in Philadelphia, where his NBA journey began. It’s a low-risk, high-upside move for the Sixers, who are always looking to bolster their frontcourt depth - especially with the physical toll the season can take on bigs. Bassey brings energy, rebounding, rim protection, and a hunger to prove he belongs.
He won’t have to wait long for a potential reunion with the team that gave him his Summer League shot, either. The Sixers face the Celtics at TD Garden on March 1 - and you can bet Bassey will be ready if his number gets called.
For now, it’s a 10-day deal. But if Charles Bassey keeps showing the same grit and production he’s displayed at every stop, this could be just the beginning of a longer stay in Philly.