The 76ers announced Tuesday that they’ve re-signed Pete Nance to a two-way contract.
This comes seven days after the team released the post player from his previous two-way deal with the team.
A league source said the Sixers explored all options over the last week to fill their vacant two-way slot. During that time, the team identified its largest need as a big man, given the recent absences of Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond. That led to Nance’s re-signing, according to the source.
The 6-foot-11, 230-pounder’s lone NBA appearance this season came during the Sixers’ 125-103 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 30. He finished with three points, one rebound, and three fouls in 2 minutes, 56 seconds of action.
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The Sixers originally signed Nance on Dec. 3. At the time, Guerschon Yabusele and Adem Bona were the only available centers. The same scenario applies heading into Tuesday night’s home contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder. But even that is misleading because the 6-8, 279-pound Yabusele is a power forward who plays center out of need.
Even swingman Paul George, who is 6-8, has played some center in the past two games.
Embiid, a seven-time All-Star center, and backup center Drummond will miss their fifth consecutive game with a sprained left foot and sprained left toe, respectively.
NBA teams are allowed to carry three two-way players in addition to 15 standard-roster players. Justin Edwards and Jeff Dowtin Jr. are the Sixers’ other two-way players.
Edwards’ dream fulfilled
With several injured players, Edwards has been thrust into the team’s rotation. He’s even logged some key fourth-quarter minutes. Now that he’s playing, the former Imhotep Charter and Kentucky standout was asked about the biggest difference between college basketball and the NBA.
“Like you said, there’s college and NBA,” he said. “So I feel like that’s just the biggest thing, you know? College is its own thing and NBA is a lot different. It’s a higher level.”
The 6-8 undrafted rookie is coming off a seven-point, two-rebound, one-assist performance Sunday in a loss to the Orlando Magic. He’s averaging 5.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 16.4 minutes in his last five appearances.
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In the process, he’s gotten the opportunity to match up against elite NBA players, including perennial All-NBA selection Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns.
“After the game, I made my moment,” Edwards said. “KD’s my favorite player. During the game, I was like, ‘I’m going to try to get a stop.’ But after the game, I was like, ‘Yo, I was really just guarding KD.’ It’s a childhood dream of mine to guard those guys. So it means a lot.”
Maxey, George ruled out
Tyrese Maxey, George, and Edwards were added to the injury report Tuesday afternoon. Maxey was listed as questionable to play against the Thunder with a sprained left hand. George (right ankle soreness) and Edwards (sprained left ankle) were probable. Maxey and George later were ruled out, while Edwards was cleared to play.
Maxey injured his hand when he was fouled in the fourth quarter Sunday against the Magic, but he remained in the game.
Embiid, Drummond, Kyle Lowry (sprained right hip), KJ Martin (left foot stress reaction) and Jared McCain (left knee surgery) were already ruled out. Caleb Martin (right groin soreness) remained questionable after the forward received treatment Tuesday morning while his teammates participated in shootaround. He also was ruled out.
Source: www.inquirer.com…