The Philadelphia 76ers are bringing back a familiar face, signing center Charles Bassey to a 10-day contract after his standout run in the G League. And make no mistake - this isn’t just a feel-good reunion. Bassey’s earned this shot with the kind of production that turns heads, even in a league as deep with talent as the NBA.
After being picked up by the Santa Cruz Warriors late last month, Bassey wasted no time making an impact. Over 10 games, he averaged 18.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per contest.
He shot a scorching 59.3% from the field and even knocked down 40% of his threes - an eye-popping stat for a big man. That blend of size, athleticism, and touch has made him one of the most intriguing G League stories of the season.
The 76ers are banking on that momentum translating to the NBA level, at least in the short term. With this 10-day deal, Bassey returns to the team that originally drafted him 53rd overall back in 2021.
He played 23 games in his rookie season with Philly before eventually landing with the San Antonio Spurs, where he carved out a bigger role. Last season, he appeared in a career-high 36 games for San Antonio, averaging 4.4 points and 4.2 rebounds while flashing the kind of energy and rim protection that teams covet in backup bigs.
This season started with a brief stint in Memphis, where Bassey filled in amid a battered Grizzlies frontcourt. He logged 15.5 minutes per game across two appearances before heading back to the G League - and clearly, he made the most of that opportunity.
Now, his return to Philadelphia adds another layer to a frontcourt that already features Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, and rookie Adem Bona. On paper, it’s a crowded rotation, and Bassey may have to wait for his chance.
But with Embiid’s health always a variable - he’s played in just 24 games this season - the Sixers are wise to keep some insurance on hand. When Embiid is on the floor, he’s still playing at an MVP level, having scored 30 or more in each of his last four outings, including a monster 38-point, 11-rebound, 5-assist night in a narrow loss to the Knicks.
Bassey’s signing also leaves a ripple effect in Golden State’s orbit. Santa Cruz loses one of its most productive players, and while the Warriors' main roster isn’t directly impacted yet, there had been some quiet buzz around Bassey as a possible addition - especially with the trade deadline looming on February 5.
If the Warriors do end up making a consolidation move, freeing up a roster spot, two-way guard Pat Spencer is expected to be first in line. But Bassey was very much in that conversation.
Now, the Sixers get a closer look at a player who’s shown real growth since his first stint in Philly. Whether this 10-day contract turns into something longer will depend on fit, opportunity, and how well Bassey can make his presence felt in limited minutes. But based on what he’s done in the G League, he’s more than ready for another shot.