Sixers summer league roster reaction
The Sixers officially released their roster for this summer's Orlando Pro Summer League, also known as the OPSL.
The League takes place on the Orlando Magic's practice court at the Amway Center from July 7-12.
In addition to the host Magic and 76ers, the league features the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz.
The Sixers released roster contains some lineup locks for next season, as well as some promising prospects. Some players are likely destined for the D-League.
The lineup is as follows:
Michael Carter-Williams PG 6-6 Syracuse
Arsalan Kazemi F 6-8 Oregon
Arnett Moultrie PF 6-11 76ers
Khalif Wyatt G 6-4 Temple
James Southerland F 6-8 Syracuse
Rodney Williams F 6-7 Minnesota
D.J. Cooper PG 6-0 Ohio
Micheal Eric PF/C 6-11 Canton Chargers (Temple)
Zeke Marshall C 7-0 Akron
Trevor Mbakwe F 6-8 Minnesota
Travis Leslie G 6-4 Santa Cruz Warriors
Brook Motum F 6-9 Washington State
Justin Holiday G/F 6-6 Sixers
Likely to make the roster:
Out of this batch of aspiring individuals, there are at least three who are likely to crack the Sixers rotation this season, including recent lottery selection and de-facto Jrue Holiday replacement Michael Carter-Williams. The team is likely to give Carter-Williams a decent bit of burn this season in order to see what he can bring to the hardwood, as they are clearly focusing on the future.
In addition to MC-W, Arnett Moultrie will be back on the Sixers sidelines next season. Moultrie, who was a first round pick in the 2012 draft, showed promise when he was finally presented with an opportunity late last season. Expect Moultrie to see more minutes this season in order for the organization to get a true gauge of his talent.
Arsalan Kazemi, who the Sixers secured in the second round of this year's draft and has been described by some as a draft-day steal, has a great opportunity to work his way into the rotation as well. There is always room on an NBA roster for an energy/hustle type player who has excellent rebounding ability, so expect to see Kazemi out on the court for stretches this season.
May make the roster:
Aside from these three it is difficult to determine which prospects may spend some time on the Sixers' sideline this season, as their roster moves will be correlated to their approach for the next several seasons. If the team has its eyes on a high lottery pick next year, as seems to be the case, than we may see more of such summer league players signed. Assuming that they are trying to increase cap space, summer league signings make a lot of sense.
Justin Holiday, who saw some limited action for the Sixers last season, may be picked up again as some additional guard assurance. At 6'6'' the team likes his size, as he can defend a couple different positions on the perimeter.
The Sixers may also sign Khalif Wyatt based on his scoring abilities. Although, he will need to perform in Orlando. It is assumed that the Sixers will struggle to score this season, so having a cheap offensive option like Wyatt as a reserve may be appealing.
It is unlikely that both Hoiday and Wyatt will make the roster, and the Sixers are already aware of what Justin Holiday brings to the hardwood. So assuming that he holds his own in Orlando, don't be surprised to see Wyatt on the end of the bench next season.
Wyatt's former Temple teammate Micheal Eric may also get a look at the sidelines next season. With Bynum likely leaving town, the Sixers will need to add some size this summer, and at 6'10'' 240 pounds with D-League experience, Eric might be a solid option.
Syracuse's James Southerland is an interesting option as well. After turning down the Spurs' offer to develop overseas for a season, Southerland finds himself on two summer league rosters and will likely end up on an NBA bench next season. With a wingspan that reaches over seven feet and NBA-ready range from beyond the arc, Southerland could work as a stretch four in certain situations. If the Sixers do not add him to the roster, expect to see him elsewhere.
Unlikely to make the roster:
Zeke Marshall may get a look based on his sheer size, but it is unlikely that the remaining players will make the roster. Travis Leslie, who was MVP of the D-League's all-star game last season and has already bounced around the NBA a little, has some serious talent and is likely to find a suitor, just not the Sixers.
Of course, possible roster projections will change over the course of the summer based on player production, but it seems that the Sixers have a solid summer league roster with several promising prospects.