The first check-in of many on the Delaware Blue Coats.
The G League season is officially underway. The Delaware Blue Coats, much like their bigger brother, have struggled as a team out of the gate amassing a 1-4 record. While it’s a lackluster start, development reigns supreme in the G — and there have been several silver linings with new faces.
The New Guy, Lester Quinones, is making his mark
The Sixers brought in G League veteran Lester Quinones on a two-way deal not so long ago, and it’s easy to see why they prioritized bringing him in. Quinones has started all five games for the Blue Coats and has been leading the way, averaging 20.5 points per game.
Thus far, Quinones’ raw numbers show potential, but he must improve efficiency. He’s hovering around the low 40s in field goal percentage, and while he’s attempting a lot of threes (seven attempts per game), he’s only converting 33 percent of them. Not bad, but certainly room for improvement.
It’s easy to see why the Sixers are interested in him. He’s a capable scorer from most areas, and has shown he can hang with most guys on the defensive end. There’s always room for shooters on the Sixers, and they might be developing their next one just down the road. Expect the Coats to continue running the offense through Quinones moving forward.
Adem Bona suits up for the Coats
The Sixers assigned their second-round draft pick to the Blue Coats early last week, suiting up in a game against the Maine Celtics. Bona is likely to go back and forth between the Coats and Sixers, with Joel Embiid returning and Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele soaking up the minutes at the backup five.
Bona performed well in his Blue Coats debut, amassing 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks in under 30 minutes of play. His never-ending motor was on full display, and he provided a bit of everything.
This was my favorite sequence of Adem Bona’s Blue Coats assignment the other day. Back-to-back defensive possessions with a block. Much like Jared McCain, his motor runs HOT.
He finished this game with seven stocks, and played in control with only one foul. Great debut for the Rook.
— Harrison Grimm (@harrisongrimm.bsky.social) 2024-11-13T20:52:26.293Z
The most significant criticism thus far with Bona is that he often racks up fouls, a common issue for young bigs. In his lone game with the Coats, Bona only had one foul, which you like to see. This is likely the first assignment of many for Bona, so we’ll see with time if he’s able to continue playing in control.
Keep an eye on Judah Mintz
Judah Mintz, who played Summer League with the Sixers, is now on the Delaware Blue Coats. So far, he’s been used as one of the team’s starting guards and has contributed well. In four games, he’s averaged 17.5 points, 4.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 29.2 minutes.
Out of everyone, Mintz’s efficiency has stood out among the pack. He’s averaging a healthy 48.8 percent shooting from the field and has gotten to the line quite a bit — 3.8 attempts per game.
The most significant question mark with Mintz is his shooting from the three-point line, and thus far the results have been good: 40 percent from three on an average of 2.5 attempts per game. It’s not the highest volume for a guard, but it’s still just enough to keep opposing defenses honest.
President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey is known to tweak two-way spots accordingly throughout the year, and Judah Mintz is the early name to watch if the Sixers choose to shake things up.
Catch Lester Quinones, (possibly) Adem Bona, Judah Mintz and company for the Delaware Blue Coats’ next game against the Westchester Knicks on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. E.T.