Dalembert hopes to join Canada team
He has not received confirmation on a role this summer. His citizenship isn't clear.
Samuel Dalembert still hasn't received confirmation on whether he will be eligible to compete this summer for the Canadian national team, although the 76ers center is expected to represent Canada.
"We've heard nothing yet. However, we are very optimistic," Leo Rautins, the former Sixer and current Canadian national team coach, said in an e-mail.
Dalembert's agent, Marc Cornstein, had a similar reaction. "I have been given every indication he'll play for the Canadian national team," Cornstein said by phone.
The problem has been establishing Canadian citizenship. Dalembert is not a Canadian citizen but is considered a landed immigrant. He holds a Haitian passport.
Dalembert moved from Haiti to Montreal when he was 13. Less than three years later, he moved to New Jersey and attended St. Patrick's High in Elizabeth.
Canada will compete in the FIBA Americas Olympic qualifying tournament Aug. 22 to Sept. 2 in Las Vegas.
Last season, the 26-year-old Dalembert started all 82 games and averaged 10.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.94 blocked shots.
"Sam would be a great fit and addition to our team," Rautins said. "He showed fans how good he can be in the international environment when Philly played there last fall. He is perfect for the game with his ability to run the floor, play above the rim, and hit the short jumper. He gives us a legitimate center and a solid team guy."
Henderson update. Mark Bartelstein, the agent for Sixers unrestricted free agent forward Alan Henderson, said the lines of communication remained open between the parties. "We're still talking, but there is nothing further to report," Bartelstein said.
A veteran of 12 NBA seasons, Henderson appeared in 38 games during two stints last season for the Sixers. He is valued as an outstanding presence in the locker room and a mentor for the many young players.
What is working against Henderson is the number of roster spots available. The Sixers already have 14 players under contract, and that doesn't count second-round picks Derrick Byars and Herbert Hill. NBA teams are able to carry 15 players, with 12 players on the active roster for each game.