Sixers open up a spot for a potential addition
In waiving Ignas Brazdeikis, the Sixers could still add another player before Friday's 11:59 p.m. playoff-eligibility waiver deadline.
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It was a seemingly minor move, but the 76ers have cleared space to potentially sign a player who could be eligible for their playoff roster by waiving Ignas Brazdeikis on Thursday.
That brings the Sixers roster to 14, plus a pair of two-way players. Now there is room for a 15th player who could be added. The playoff-eligibility waiver deadline is Friday at 11:59 p.m. Players would have to be waived by that time in order to be eligible to join a playoff roster.
The Sixers acquired Brazdeikis from the New York Knicks in the three-team deal that also included Oklahoma City at the March 25 trade deadline. In that trade, the Sixers also acquired George Hill from the Thunder. Hill has yet to play for the Sixers as he continues to recover from right thumb surgery.
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A small forward, Brazdeikis played only one game with the Sixers, appearing for 7 minutes, 54 seconds of mop-up time during Sunday’s 116-100 home loss to Memphis.
When asked after practice Thursday if the Sixers could pick up someone, coach Doc Rivers responded, “Yeah we could. We want to have that ability.”
Rivers coached the Los Angeles Clippers the previous seven seasons and always looked at this deadline as a way to enhance a playoff roster.
“I always wanted that with the Clippers, we always left one or two guys available, even picked up guys after this because there are some guys that can be out there that can be used for next year,” Rivers said. “I just think flexibility is always good.”
Rivers has been saying for months that he is happy with the way the Sixers are constructed. The Sixers (35-16) return to action on Friday in New Orleans against the Pelicans.
“I am happy now and if we add someone, I’ll be happy, but I’m not going to lose sleep over it either way,” he said.
Many of the big names who took buyouts and then were waived have signed with teams. That group includes LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin with Brooklyn, Andre Drummond with the Los Angeles Lakers and DeMarcus Cousins with the Clippers. Even a center such as Gorgui Dieng, who might have been a fit for the Sixers, signed with San Antonio.