Category: Philadelphia 76ers Blog

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Sixers exercise contract options on Tyrese Maxey and Jaden Springer

The Philadelphia 76ers have exercised the fourth-year contract option for Tyrese Maxey and the third-year contract option for Jaden Springer, both set to take effect for the 2023-24 season.

Maxey, now in his third professional season, holds career averages of 13.7 points (.480 FG, .403 3FG), 2.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 26.9 minutes in 143 games (89 starts). The Texas native played in 75 games (74 starts) in his second NBA season in 2021-22, upping his scoring average from 8.0 to 17.5 while shooting .485 from the floor. His points-per-game increase ranked as the largest among second-year players last season, while his .427 mark from three-point range was third in the NBA. A 2022 Rising Stars selection, Maxey reached the 20-point mark on 25 occasions, including five games of 30-plus points.

Originally selected by the 76ers with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Maxey, 21, has averaged 22.6 points on .504 shooting (.468 3FG), 3.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in seven games (all starts) this season. He set career highs in both points (44) and three-point field goals (nine) at Toronto on Oct. 28, becoming just the second player in 76ers franchise history to tally 40-plus points prior to the age of 22 (Iverson, five times).

Springer, 20, has tallied seven points on 3-of-4 shooting in four career appearances for the 76ers. The No. 28 overall selection of the 2021 NBA Draft has competed in 19 career G League games (18 starts) for the Delaware Blue Coats, averaging 14.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 26.8 minutes per contest. Springer helped lead Delaware to its second consecutive appearance in the G League Finals.

Named to the 2021-22 Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team during his lone collegiate season at Tennessee, Springer led the Volunteers in scoring (12.5 ppg), three-point percentage (.435 3FG), and free throws made (81). His .810 free throw percentage ranked ninth in the SEC and represents the highest-ever mark by a Tennessee freshman with at least 100 attempts.

Sixers convert Michael Foster Jr.’s deal to a two-way contract, and waive Charlie Brown Jr.

The Philadelphia 76ers have converted Michael Foster Jr. to a two-way contract.

And in a related move, the team has waived Charlie Brown Jr.

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent on July 10, Foster Jr. saw 18 minutes of action across three preseason games for the 76ers this year. The 19-year-old played in 15 games during the G League Ignite tour in 2021-22, averaging 16.3 points (.444 FG%) and 10.4 rebounds in 31.2 minutes.

Signed to a two-way contract on Jan. 11, 2022, Brown Jr. played in 19 games and made two starts for the 76ers throughout the 2021-22 season. The Pennsylvania native played in each of the team’s four preseason contests this season.

Philadelphia’s roster stands at 16 players (includes two-way players).

76ers waive Charles Bassey and Isaiah Joe

The Philadelphia 76ers yesterday waived Charles Bassey and Isaiah Joe.

Selected by Philadelphia with the No. 53 pick of the 2021 NBA Draft, Bassey averaged 3.0 points (.638 FG%), 2.7 rebounds, and 7.3 minutes in 23 games played during his rookie campaign in 2021-22. The 6-11 big man scored in double figures twice, including a 13-point, 10-rebound effort at Memphis on Dec. 13, 2021.

Joe has played in 96 career games over two seasons with the 76ers, averaging 3.7 points (.355 FG%, .349 3FG%, .855 FT%), 1.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 10.3 minutes. The 2020 second-round draft pick (No. 49 overall) tallied five double-digit scoring games in his second professional season, including a career-high 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting (5-8 3FG) against Houston on Jan. 3, 2022.

Philadelphia’s roster stands at 17 (includes two-way players).

Sixers forward P.J. Tucker cleared to play after recent knee surgery

Philadelphia 76ers forward P.J. Tucker recently underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee.

He’s been cleared for on-court work and will participate in training camp in Charleston, South Carolina.

Per the Philly Voice, “based on conversations with people around the team this offseason — and Doc Rivers’ own assertions to kick off media day — Tucker is going to play a critical, multi-faceted role for the Sixers in 2022-23. In addition to the minutes he’s expected to play at forward, Tucker will be part of the plan at backup center behind Joel Embiid, one of several players who will factor into their gameplan when the MVP candidate is off of the floor.”

And per the Philadelphia Inquirer in early July, “Tucker, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound power forward, averaged just 7.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists this past season for the Miami Heat. But he shot a career-best 41.5% from beyond the three-point line.”

Sixers sign Montrezl Harrell

Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey announced today that the team has signed seven-year NBA veteran Montrezl Harrell.

Harrell comes to Philadelphia after producing 13.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 23.1 minutes over 71 games with Washington and Charlotte in 2021-22. His .645 shooting percentage ranked third in the NBA last season.

Playing under 76ers Head Coach Doc Rivers, Harrell earned NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2019-20, after posting 18.6 points (.580 FG), 7.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 blocks in 27.8 minutes over 63 games with the LA Clippers.

The Tarboro, North Carolina native is one of two players to score at least 5,000 points off the bench over the last five seasons. He’s also the only NBA player to tally at least 4,000 points and 1,000 rebounds as a reserve since the start of the 2018-19 season, leading the league with 41 double-doubles during that span.

Originally selected by Houston with the No. 32 overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft, Harrell has recorded career averages of 12.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 21.5 minutes across 458 games with Houston, the Clippers, the Lakers, Washington and Charlotte. He ranks sixth in NBA history with a .620 field goal percentage, having finished top-10 in that category in each of the last five seasons (2017-22).

Harrell will wear No. 5 with the 76ers.

2022-23 Philadelphia 76ers preseason game schedule

The Philadelphia 76ers 2022-23 preseason will feature four exhibition games. The slate begins when the 76ers travel to Brooklyn on Monday, Oct.3 to take on the Nets at Barclays Center at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The team then returns back home to face Cleveland on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at The Center at 7 p.m. ET, which will be followed by a second meeting with the Cavaliers at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, Oct. 10 on the road at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Philadelphia’s preseason slate wraps up at home against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. ET.

All four of the 76ers preseason games will air on the radio on the team’s flagship radio station, 97.5 The Fanatic. Both home games (Oct. 5 vs. Cleveland and Oct. 12 vs. Charlotte) will be telecast on NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Sixers re-sign James Harden

Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey announced today that the team has re-signed 10-time All-Star and 13-year NBA veteran James Harden.

“Today, I’m celebrating alongside Sixers fans everywhere as we announce that James Harden – former MVP, 10-time All-Star and three-time scoring champion – has re-signed with the team,” Managing Partner Josh Harris said. “James stands out as an elite playmaker and feared scorer, and his commitment to the team reflects his dedication to bring a championship to this city. We recognize that winning a title is no easy feat, but I’m proud of the work our organization has done this offseason and look forward to the season ahead.”

Per the Philadelphia Inquirer, Harden “agreed to a two-year, $68.6 million deal to return to the 76ers, a league source confirmed. Harden will make $33 million during the 2022-23 season. The deal also includes a $35.6 million player option for 2023-24, allowing Harden to potentially enter free agency again next summer.”

Acquired by the 76ers as part of a five-player trade with the Nets on Feb. 10, 2022, Harden averaged 22.0 points (.410 FG, .330 3FG, .877 FT), 7.7 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 37.2 minutes in 65 games played (all starts) between Brooklyn and Philadelphia in 2021-22. The 13-year veteran was one of two NBA players to tally at least 1,400 points, 500 rebounds, and 600 assists this past season, making him the fifth player in league history to accomplish that feat three times (Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook).

Also per the Inquirer, “the agreement comes less than a month after Harden declined his $47.4 million player option for the coming season, which allowed the Sixers to bolster their depth and toughness during free agency by signing veteran forward P.J. Tucker with the full mid-level exception and forward Danuel House with the biannual exception.”

Philadelphia starting lineups featured a league-best 20.2 net rating after Harden’s arrival to the team.

“This is where I want to be. This is where I want to win, and I think we have the pieces to accomplish that goal,” Harden said. “From my first day with the 76ers organization, the team and the fans have helped me feel at home here in Philadelphia. I’m excited to build off of last season and I can’t wait to get out on the court with the guys and start this journey.”

Harden posted totals of 442 points, 149 rebounds and 220 assists in his 21 games with the 76ers. He is the only player in league history to reach such totals within their first 21 outings with a new team. He also did so with the Brooklyn Nets in 2020-21.

This past season, Harden surpassed Hall of Famer Reggie Miller and moved into third place all-time in made three-pointers. He also posted 11 triple-doubles last season, which were the third-most in the NBA. For his career, Harden has the eighth-most triple-doubles in league history with 69.

“I couldn’t be happier with James’ decision to commit to our organization. Over the last two years we have taken major steps toward our ultimate goal of becoming champions,” said 76ers Head Coach Doc Rivers. “James shares our drive to win a title, and he believes being a 76er gives him the best opportunity to do that. Together, we will work tirelessly to achieve our goal.”

All told, Harden has appeared in 942 games (728 starts) with Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Houston and Oklahoma City and holds averages of 24.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

“James Harden is one of the greatest players in NBA history and a future Hall of Famer. His mission is to win an NBA title and we’re thrilled that he will continue that journey here in Philadelphia. He is one of the best scorers and passers to ever play, and his knowledge of the game allows him to dissect defenses and make everyone around him better,” Morey said. “James’ commitment to winning continues to resonate throughout our organization, and I believe we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible in his partnership with Joel and this talented roster. This is an exciting time for our franchise.”

Prior to last season with the Nets and 76ers, Harden spent parts of nine seasons (2012-21) with the Rockets. During that time, Harden was named the 2017-18 NBA MVP after leading the NBA in points per game (30.4) and finishing third in assists (8.8). He was also among the top-three vote-getters for the award each season from 2016-20. Harden ended his Houston career as the franchise’s all-time leader in three-pointers (2,029), free throws (5,554) and assists (4,796) while ranking second in team history with 18,365 total points and third with 1,087 steals.

Harden, a three-time NBA scoring champion (2018-20) and NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2011-12), is one of four players in league history to have at least three seasons averaging at least 20 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. The only other players to do so more than once are Russell Westbrook (five times) and Hall of Famers Magic Johnson (three times) and Oscar Robertson (five times). His 36.1 points per game average in 2018-19 was the second-highest by any player since the start of the 1970-71 season, behind only Hall of Famer Michael Jordan’s average of 37.1 in 1986-87.

A member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, Harden helped lead the 76ers to their fifth consecutive playoff appearance.

Sixers sign rookie Michael Foster Jr.

The Philadelphia 76ers have signed forward Michael Foster Jr.

Foster Jr. joined the 76ers’ Salt Lake City Summer League roster and appeared in each of the team’s games at Vivint Arena, including one start. He is currently participating in the NBA 2022 Summer League in Las Vegas.

Prior to signing with the 76ers, Foster Jr. played for G League Ignite, where last season he averaged 15.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 25 appearances.

Before joining Ignite, Foster Jr. averaged 32.2 points, 18.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists in his senior season for Hillcrest Prep, leading the team to a 37-1 record and earning him the No. 7 spot in the 2021 ESPN 100 rankings of top high school prospects. The Milwaukee native was also named a 2021 McDonald’s All-American.

Sixers sign Danuel House Jr.

Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey announced yesterday that the team has signed Danuel House Jr.

“Danuel is a very talented two-way player who immediately bolsters our wing depth and strengthens our roster,” Morey said. “He is a willing shooter from outside who can space the floor and punish the opposition. On defense, his size, athleticism and ability to guard multiple positions make him a tough match-up, especially as we plan for a deep playoff run. I’m excited for Danuel’s future in Philadelphia.”

House Jr. played in 42 games in 2021-22 between Houston, New York, and Utah, averaging 5.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists. He shot .376 from beyond the arc, connecting on at least four three-pointers on three separate occasions.

House Jr. closed out the 2021-22 campaign with the Jazz, shooting 34-of-82 from beyond the arc (.415). He tallied 10-plus points on six occasions, including a season-high 21-point performance on 7-of-11 shooting (4-6 3FG) at Memphis on Jan. 28.

Signed as an undrafted free agent by Washington in 2016, House Jr. has produced 8.5 points (.427 FG, .366 3FG, .764 FT), 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 24.3 minutes in 204 total NBA games (98 starts) over six seasons with Washington, Phoenix, Houston, New York and Utah. His three-point percentage ranks ninth among players with at least 315 made triples and 5,000-or-fewer minutes since entering the league in 2016.

The Houston native also has NBA G League experience, recording career marks of 18.2 points (.450 FG, .368 3FG, .789 FT), 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 32.0 minutes in 60 games (42 starts) with Delaware (2016-17), Northern Arizona (2017-18), and Rio Grande Valley (2017-19). He played in seven games for the then-87ers – the 76ers’ G League affiliate – in 2016-17, scoring 10-plus points in five of those contests.

Prior to his professional career, House Jr. played four seasons collegiately between the University of Houston (2012-2014) and Texas A&M (2014-2016), averaging 14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. He earned Second Team All-SEC honors as a junior with the Aggies, before notching an All-SEC Tournament First Team nod as a senior. House Jr. finished in the top-12 in the Southeastern Conference in scoring in his junior (nine – 14.8 ppg) and senior (12th – 15.6 ppg) seasons.