Category: Philadelphia 76ers Blog

Sixers blog – Philadelphia 76ers blog

Sixers sign Filip Petrusev

The Philadelphia 76ers two days ago signed Filip Petrušev.

During the 2022-23 season, Petrušev played in 72 games (34 Euroleague, 33 Liga ABA, five tournament play) for Serbian club Crvena zvezda, averaging 11.0 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 57.3% from the field. Petrušev helped lead the team to its 23rd Basketball League of Serbia title, the most in league history. In Euroleague play, Petrušev earned Week 17 MVP honors.

This summer, with Philadelphia in the 2K24 Summer League 2023 in Las Vegas, Petrušev averaged 12.5 points on 61.1% shooting and 4.5 rebounds in two appearances.

A native of Serbia, Petrušev was originally selected by the 76ers with the No. 50 selection in the 2021 NBA Draft after he spent the 2020-21 season with KK Mega Basket. He earned league MVP honors, as well as the league’s Rising Star award as the top player under the age of 22.

Prior to playing professionally overseas, Petrušev spent two collegiate seasons at Gonzaga (2018-20). As a Bulldog, he was named the 2019-20 West Coast Conference Player of the Year as a sophomore when he averaged 17.5 points and 7.9 rebounds while shooting 56.2% from the floor.

Sixers sign Azuolas Tubelis to two-way contract

The Philadelphia 76ers have signed Azuolas Tubelis to a two-way contract.

Tubelis was a consensus 2022-23 Second Team All-American as a junior at the University of Arizona, averaging 19.8 points on 57.0% shooting and 9.1 rebounds in 35 regular-season games (34 starts). These numbers made Tubelis the seventh player in Pac-12 history, and first since the 2005-06 season, to lead the conference in points (19.8) and rebounds (9.1).

During Arizona’s Pac-12 Tournament championship run last season, Tubelis averaged 18.7 points and 10.3 rebounds en route to being named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

During his three seasons as a Wildcat, he averaged 15.6 points and 7.5 rebounds, finishing 15th in school history with 1,510 total points. Arizona compiled a 78-20 (.796) record in Tubelis’ three seasons with the program, including back-to-back seasons with a win percentage of at least .800 (2021-22; 2022-23), Arizona’s first such stretch since 2013-15.

Originally from Lithuania, Tubelis represented his home country in international play in 2016, 2018 and 2019

Sixers re-sign Paul Reed

Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey announced today that the team has re-signed Paul Reed.

The Sixers reportedly matched Reed’s three-year, $23 million Jazz offer sheet.

Per ESPN.com, “one of the terms of the offer sheet provided a unique twist on Reed’s contract: The first season of the contract is fully guaranteed, but the next two years worth $15.7 million become guaranteed if the Sixers advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals, sources said. Given where the two franchises stand, it was more likely the Sixers would have to guarantee those 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons than the Jazz.”

Reed, 24, averaged career highs in points (4.2), rebounds (3.8), and blocked shots (0.7) in 2022-23, while shooting 59.3% from the field. He tallied five double-doubles in 69 games last season, including a 16-point, career-high 14-rebound performance at Miami on March 1. Reed averaged 1.6 offensive rebounds per game in 2022-23, a mark that ranked second among 76ers. He was one of two NBA players to collect at least 100 offensive rebounds in fewer than 800 minutes played.

A three-year pro, Reed played in all 11 of Philadelphia’s 2023 NBA Playoff games. He made two starts during this latest postseason run, recording double-doubles in wins at Brooklyn (Round 1, Game 4) and at Boston (Round 2, Game 1).

Originally selected with the No. 58 overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft, Reed is second in the NBA in offensive rebound percentage (17.7%) since entering the league (min. 200 minutes played). In three NBA seasons, the Florida native has posted double-figure points 14 times and 10-or-more rebounds on eight occasions.

In 2021, while playing for the 76ers’ NBA G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, Reed claimed G League Most Valuable Player honors, was named the G League’s Rookie of the Year, and was selected to both the All-G League and All-G League Defensive Team.

Reed played his college basketball at DePaul, appearing in 93 games (58 starts) over three seasons, posting 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds in 23.2 minutes per contest. As a junior, Reed averaged a double-double with 15.1 points and 10.7 rebounds, as he was named to the All-Big East Second Team.

Sixers sign Ricky Council IV and Terquavion Smith to two-way contracts

Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey announced today that the team has signed Ricky Council IV and Terquavion Smith to two-way contracts.

This past season, Council IV appeared in 36 games (29 starts) collegiately with the University of Arkansas, where he ranked fifth in the Southeastern Conference with a team-high 16.1 points to go along with 3.6 rebounds. The All-SEC Second Team selection scored in double figures in 31 of his appearances this season.

The Razorbacks earned a No. 8 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, upsetting No. 1-seeded Kansas in the second round to reach the Sweet Sixteen.

Prior to last season, Council IV spent his first two collegiate seasons at Wichita State University, where he posted combined averages of 9.9 points and 4.6 rebounds. He was voted the AAC Sixth Man of the Year as a sophomore in 2021-22, having led all conference reserves in scoring with 12.0 points.

Smith spent the past two seasons at North Carolina State University, where he averaged 17.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 66 career games (59 starts). The Atlantic Coast Conference’s second-leading scorer (17.9) as a sophomore this past season, Smith also ranked second in three-pointers made (91), eighth in steals (1.4) and 10th in assists (4.1) en route to an All-ACC Second Team selection. He led the Wolfpack to a 23-11 season and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Smith registered six 30-point games during his time with NC State, one of which represented the lone 30-point outing of the 2023 ACC Tournament (March 8 vs. Virginia Tech).

Both Council IV and Smith are currently on the 76ers’ 2023 summer league roster, which will compete in both the Salt Lake City Summer League and 2K24 Summer League 2023 in Las Vegas.

New Sixers head coach will reportedly be Nick Nurse

Via ESPN.com:

According to sources who spoke to ESPN on Monday, the Philadelphia 76ers have hired Nick Nurse as their next coach and have given him the goal of leading the team to its first championship in 40 years.

Throughout Sunday and Monday, the Sixers and Phoenix Suns were negotiating with Nurse and his agent, Andy Miller of Klutch Sports, leaving Nurse to choose between two competitive teams, according to sources.

FULL ARTICLE:

Sixers fire head coach Doc Rivers

The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that the team has parted ways with Head Coach Doc Rivers. Rivers was named the 25th head coach in 76ers’ franchise history on Oct. 2, 2020. He coached three seasons for Philadelphia, compiling a 154-82 (.653) regular-season record.

Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey:

“Doc is one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, a future Hall of Famer, and someone I respect immensely. We’re grateful for all he did in his three seasons here and thank him for the important impact he made on our franchise. After having the chance to reflect upon our season, we decided that certain changes are necessary to further our goals of competing for a championship.”

Via the Philadelphia Inquirer:

As a team, the Sixers this season posted their highest win total (54) since 2000-01, when they advanced to the NBA Finals. This season, they ranked third in the league in offensive efficiency (117 points per 100 possessions), eighth in defensive efficiency (112.7 points allowed per 100 possessions) and first in net rating in “clutch” time (plus-16.6), or when a scoring margin is within five or fewer points with five or less minutes remaining.

The Sixers also had the Eastern Conference’s best regular-season record during the condensed 2020-21 regular season (49-23), improved their win total in each of the next two seasons, and became one of the league’s best road teams after previous struggles away from home.

Joel Embiid wins 2022-23 NBA MVP award

The NBA announced today that Philadelphia 76ers six-time All-Star center Joel Embiid has been named the 2022-23 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player. Embiid is the fifth 76er ever to capture league MVP honors, joining Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Allen Iverson, and Moses Malone. The Cameroon native is the seventh international player to be named MVP since the award’s inception.

Embiid led the NBA in scoring for the second consecutive season, averaging 33.1 points per game, joining Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain as the only 76ers ever to post an average of 33-plus points in a season. He is the first NBA player to win consecutive scoring titles since teammate James Harden (three straight, 2017-20) and the first 76er to do so since Hall of Famer Allen Iverson (2000-02).

Embiid led the 76ers to a 54-28 regular season, the team’s best since 2000-01. The third seed in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Philadelphia is in the midst of an Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Boston Celtics.

“I’ve watched Joel grow and evolve into one of the greatest players in 76ers franchise history over the last nine years. Today is a proud day for our organization as Joel becomes the fifth Sixer ever to capture League MVP honors,” Managing Partner Josh Harris said. “Joel overcame adversity at the start of his career with a combination of perseverance and grit, and now, his intense work ethic has pushed him into the NBA history books. It’s been a joy to watch him dedicate himself to the team and the city of Philadelphia. Cpngratulations to Joel, our fans, and our city on an honor we will always remember.”

“We have all witnessed the greatness of Joel Embiid during his entire career as a 76er and I am thrilled to see his exceptional hard work and dedication recognized by being named NBA MVP,” 76ers Co-Managing Partner David Blitzer said. “Joel is a once-in-a-lifetime talent whose impact extends far beyond the court. When you think of the greatest players to ever wear a 76ers uniform, your mind naturally goes to legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Charles Barkley and Allen Iverson. Tonight, Joel has cemented his place on that special list and we are all excited to see him continue to add to his legacy.”

This season also saw Embiid add in 10.2 rebounds on a career-high 54.8% shooting from the floor. He’s the third player in NBA history to average at least 33 points and 10 rebounds on 54% shooting from the floor, joining Chamberlain (1965-66 MVP) and fellow Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1971-72 MVP).

Defensively, Embiid posted 1.7 blocks (seventh in the NBA) and 1.0 steals per outing. He and 2022-23 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. were the only two players in the league this season to average at least 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals.

“Let me start by saying I am absolutely thrilled for Joel on winning the MVP award. He is the real deal and deserves every bit of recognition that comes his way. He embodies everything that the honor stands for. His drive to improve is unmatched, and like the saying ‘a dream doesn’t become reality through magic, it takes hard work’, he’s put in the work. What’s most impressive is the why. He puts in the work because he wants to be a winner,” said 76ers Head Coach Doc Rivers. “This MVP award is part of that journey. While this may be an individual award, in many ways it’s also a team award. Joel’s teammates have been unbelievable in contributing to his success. I couldn’t be prouder of all of them. It takes a village. From our staff, our coaches, our players and the entire organization, congratulations to the big fella.”

“I’ve always believed that greatness emerges when talent meets relentless dedication. Joel’s season was legendary, and the MVP award is the latest milestone of his decorated career,” President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey said. “His impact on both sides of the ball places him in rarified air among all-time greats such as Hakeem, Kareem and Wilt. It has been a privilege to watch Joel over the last three seasons and I know this won’t be his last accomplishment as we continue to strive toward our ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship.”

Mac McClung named G League Player of the Week

Philadelphia 76ers two-way guard Mac McClung has been named NBA G League Player of the Week for games played Monday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 5.

The 2023 Slam Dunk champion averaged 28.7 points, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals in three games for the Delaware Blue Coats (3-0).

Per the Philadelphia Inquirer, “McClung, who has yet to play for the Sixers, signed his two-day contract with the Sixers on Feb. 14. The 24-year-old was last season’s G League rookie of the year.”

76ers sign Dewayne Dedmon

Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey announced today that the team has signed veteran center Dewayne Dedmon.

Dedmon, in his 10th NBA season, joins Philadelphia after averaging 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in 30 games with the Miami Heat. Dedmon, who stands nearly 7-feet tall, spent the past three-plus seasons with Miami, averaging 6.2 points and 5.1 rebounds, while shooting 56.6% from the field over 113 appearances.

This marks the USC product’s second stint with Philadelphia after seeing action in 11 games with the 76ers during the 2013-14 campaign. All told, Dedmon has played in 507 NBA games (209 starts) with career numbers of 6.4 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting of 52.6% from the field. From 2017-19 with Atlanta, Dedmon averaged 10.2 points while starting in 106 of 136 games played.

Prior to turning pro, Dedmon spent two seasons at USC where he averaged 7.1 points and 1.7 blocks per game. In 2012-13, Dedmon’s 2.1 blocks per game ranked third in the Pac-12, while his 66 total blocks that season are the ninth-most by a Trojan in program history.

Dedmon will wear No. 14 for the 76ers.

76ers sign Mac McClung to two-way contract, waive Julian Champagnie

Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey announced today that the team has signed Mac McClung to a two-way contract.

And in a related move, the team has waived Julian Champagnie, who appeared in two NBA games with the 76ers. In 18 games with the Blue Coats, he averaged 14.3 points and 5.7 rebounds.

McClung, 24, has spent the 2022-23 season with Philadelphia’s G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, where he has posted a team-best 19.1 points on 57.9% shooting from the field and 50.0% from three-point range in 18 games. He is one of two G Leaguers shooting at least 55.0% from the field, 50.0% from three, and 80.0% on free throws this season (min. 15 games played).

McClung has reached the 20-point mark in eight of his 18 games played with the Blue Coats this season, including a 40-point (15-20 FG, 7-9 3-PT), eight-assist effort against Wisconsin on Jan. 16. He has made at least three triples on six occasions, shooting at least 50.0% from beyond the arc in each of those contests.

The Gate City, Virginia native was selected to participate in a variety of NBA All-Star weekend festivities, including the 2023 Jordan Rising Stars Game on Friday, Feb. 17, and the NBA G League Next Up Game on Feb. 19.

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Lakers on Aug. 10, 2021, McClung was named the 2021-22 NBA G League Rookie of the Year after producing 21.6 points, 7.6 assists, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 27 games with the South Bay Lakers and Windy City Bulls. He has tallied eight points and three rebounds in two career NBA games with the Lakers and Chicago Bulls, both of which occurred during the 2021-22 campaign.

McClung competed in three seasons at the collegiate level between Georgetown and Texas Tech, earning Associated Press All-Big 12 First Team honors in his lone season with the Red Raiders in 2020-21.

The 6-2 guard had a decorated high school career, becoming the all-time leading scorer in Virginia High School League history (now ranks second). He also surpassed former 76er and Hall of Famer Allen Iverson’s single-season scoring record, accumulating 1,153 points as a senior.

McClung will wear No. 9 for the 76ers.

Per NBA rules, teams are permitted to have a maximum of two players under two-way contracts in addition to the players under standard NBA contracts. A two-way player for the 76ers will also be eligible to provide services to the team’s G League affiliate – the Delaware Blue Coats.