The Philadelphia 76ers are entering the final stretch of the season, with their unofficial tank in full swing. Meanwhile, just down I-95, the Delaware Blue Coats are closing out their G League campaign, providing valuable development opportunities for several prospects.
The Blue Coats’ roster has undergone significant turnover this season, with two of their three two-way contract spots changing hands. One of those changes brought in Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2023 first-round pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pittsburgh native has quickly made his presence felt, wasting no time making an impact in the G League.
Hood-Schifino has played three games with the Blue Coats, averaging 27 points and four assists while shooting an impressive 57.1 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc. His standout performance came against the College Park Skyhawks, where he erupted for 33 points and five assists on 12-of-19 shooting. He also posted a game-best +16 in a hard-fought four-point victory.
Despite being selected just outside the lottery in 2023, Hood-Schifino has only appeared in 23 NBA games. However, if he continues producing at this level with the Blue Coats, it won’t be long before the Sixers consider giving him meaningful minutes — especially if injuries (or tanking) sideline players like Tyrese Maxey or Quentin Grimes. Philadelphia has plenty of depth at the guard position, but Hood-Schifino’s efficiency and scoring ability will be tough to overlook if he keeps delivering strong performances.
Judah Mintz capitalizing on a strong rookie year
Mintz went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft but quickly landed with the Sixers on an Exhibit-10 deal, leading to his spot with the Blue Coats. He’s made the most of his rookie season, showcasing his scoring and playmaking ability. In 24 games, including 19 starts, Mintz has averaged 21.2 points on 44.7 percent shooting, along with 5.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 35.6 minutes per game.
Mintz has excelled in nearly every aspect of the game, proving to be a versatile contributor for the Blue Coats. He’s been effective in both on- and off-ball roles, showing the ability to facilitate and score. However, the biggest critique of his game remains the same as it was leading up to the draft — his outside shooting. He’s connecting on just 26.6 percent of his three-pointers this season on a modest 2.7 attempts per game. For Mintz to carve out a role at the NBA level, improving both his efficiency and volume from beyond the arc will be essential.
There’s reason to believe Mintz can develop into a more reliable shooter. His midrange game is already a weapon, and he’s hitting 77.4 percent of his free throws on high volume —often a strong indicator of shooting potential.
With the Sixers already deep at the guard position, finding a clear path to a full-time roster spot could be tricky. However, Mintz has undoubtedly been one of the G League’s standout performers this season. At just 21 years old, he still has plenty of time to refine his game and make a case for an NBA opportunity down the line.
Marcus Bagley making the most out of newfound opportunities
With most of the team’s two-way players spending time with the Sixers out of necessity, Marcus Bagley has seized the opportunity, earning major minutes and establishing himself as a consistent starter for the Blue Coats.
Bagley has started 10 games for the Blue Coats this season, a significant jump from the two starts he logged last year. In 15 total appearances, he’s elevated his production, averaging 10.3 points and 7.5 rebounds in 27.7 minutes per game while shooting an efficient 48.2 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from deep.
His rebounding, in particular, has stood out. Despite his minutes, Bagley has maintained strong production on the glass while also displaying confidence as a floor spacer, attempting five three-pointers per game. At 6-foot-6, that combination of rebounding and perimeter shooting is exactly what you want to see from a developing forward.
Hood-Schifino, Mintz, Bagley and the Delaware Blue Coats are set to take the court on March 18 at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., for a matchup against the Capital City Go-Go. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST, with the game available to stream on ESPN+.