76ers Make Surprise Roster Decision After Strong Preseason Showing

The Philadelphia 76ers have begun deciding on their 15-man roster. 

They made some cuts following the final preseason game. Now is where you have to be mindful of the lives you make, as it could mean fewer bodies in another position. It seems the center won’t be one of those in question, as the 76ers signed Tacko Fall to a two-way contract. 

Fall made the team without playing a single minute in the preseason, which means one unlikely player may have played his last game in a 76ers jersey. Unfortunately, that player is a namesake. Jameer Nelson Jr. 

Even though Nelson Jr didn’t make the team, he’s sure to be picked up by another team in need of a guard. This comes as a bit of a surprise considering how well Nelson Jr. performed, but it’s not a blindsided decision. This 76ers team is in desperate need of help at the center position, and Fall provides that. Let’s not forget that Philadelphia is heavily invested in their 22nd draft pick, Labaron Philon. 

If anything, this should give Philon a vote of confidence. Philon has struggled in this preseason, and there has been some thought that he may need some more time to adjust to the speed of the NBA. 

Now, the other bright spot as a result of this move is that maybe Adem Bona is getting closer to a return. It is still unknown if he’ll be ready for the start of the season, and the same could be said for Fall. The 76ers may have to implore a different style and use their small ball lineup if that is the case. The good thing is they may have been preparing for this exact situation. 

Jabari Walker has shown he’s capable of holding down the fort at the center position, and he could fit in better with the 76ers' new playstyle of getting up and down the court faster than anyone else. When Fall is cleared to play, he could be used sooner rather than later.

This shouldn’t be the only move that the 76ers make in terms of finding more big men, but it may be the only possible scenario for the time being. Look for Philadelphia to look for trade options during the season. They have some very tradable players that could be used to bring in a reliable center for added depth.

Nonetheless, the 76ers are ready to get this season started and set people straight on what this team can do.