After a roster overhaul in the offseason, the Sixers report to training camp with thoughts of a championship on their mind. Daryl Morey was able to go out and secure a third star that fits seamlessly on paper with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. He also was able to sign players who bring versatility and spacing to increase the effectiveness of this team defensively and offensively.
As training camp begins and with the regular season on the horizon, three members of this roster could have a larger role than anticipated this season. Each player comes with different expectations and could play their way into bigger roles throughout the season.
Ricky Council IV
Ricky Council IV burst on the scene in Philadelphia last year, helping out an injury-riddled squad compete on nights in January, February, and March. He brought an infusion of athleticism that the team lacked outside of a few players. He started to earn more minutes by grabbing rebounds, running the break, and converting on unconventional three-point plays. He didn’t get much playing time down the stretch, as the team looked to climb the standings or in the playoffs, but was rewarded with an NBA deal.
This offseason, Council IV looked to improve on his shooting to help with spacing for the teams’ stars and worked out with emerging superstar Tyrese Maxey. A lot of his offseason was spent in the gym, knowing that he would have to improve to get time on the court this season. If he can show improved shooting, he could carve out a role for this team throughout the season with his ability to finish around the rim and run on the break. The Sixers do have some aging players who are expected to be in the rotation and who will be managed, allowing Council IV to get minutes and help this team reach the end of the regular season healthy.
Eric Gordon
Eric Gordon signed with the Sixers on the first night of free agency, expecting to be a part of a championship-contending team. He will be depended on to provide spacing for a team predicated on the scoring of their big man. Gordon’s spacing and willingness to shoot a high volume of deep threes can be a major asset for this team.
Gordon has had some injury issues throughout his career, and his health always comes into question with the long haul of the regular season. Last season, he played 68 games for the Phoenix Suns and averaged 11 points per game on almost six three-point attempts per game. If the 15-year vet can prove to stay healthy, shoot consistently, and have the ability to keep up defensively, he could be playing his way into a larger sixth-man-type role.
Guerschon Yabusele
After an amazing run in the 2024 Olympic games and a standout performance against the Americans in the gold medal game, Guerschon Yabusele was able to lock down a deal with the Sixers. President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey was in Paris for the games to support Joel Embiid but was obviously scouting to add to the roster. Yabusele’s return to the NBA after a few seasons overseas adds versatility to a roster that lacks the profile of a “true” power forward.
Head coach Nick Nurse spoke about Yabusele during his Media Day press conference:
“And I think there was probably a need at the four spot, and that’s what he is. He’s not a three, and he’s not really a five. Probably can get away with playing some small ball five, if you want to, but, he’s a four that plugs in there, and he should have a good chance to impact the rotation.”
Reports have already begun to come out from training camp that he has been one of the early standouts. Yabusele can carve out more time in the rotation by showcasing his ability to rebound, play defense, and make hustle plays. If he shows improvement in his ability to space the floor by shooting a better percentage from beyond the arc, he will be more playable with the team’s stars and in the playoffs. He has gotten a second chance in the NBA, and you can bet he will make the best of it and stand out, not only for the Sixers but for all the teams in the league.
