Sixers part ways with Justin Harper

LOS ANGELES – The 76ers parted ways with Justin Harper following Sunday night's 118-116 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center.

The power forward was in the final day of the 10-day contract he signed with the Sixers (24-42)  on March 3.

Harper did not see action Sunday or in the losses to the Los Angeles Clippers (Saturday) and Portland Trail Blazers (Thursday). He averaged 4.0 points and 2.0 rebounds and 10.4 minutes in three games.

"It's a great team and a great group of guys," Harper said of the Sixers. "I was just fortunate for the opportunity to be a part of it. If it's not for the long term, I still enjoyed my time with the team when I was here."

Harper will remain in the city and rejoin the Los Angeles D-Fenders of  the NBA Development League. He's averaging 16.2 points and 7.0 rebounds and is shooting 40.1 percent on three-pointers for the D-Fenders this season.

The 6-foot-10, 225-pounder said he learned the value of competing and fighting during his time with the Sixers.

"They are very competitive group of guys and I think that coincides with what I kind of go through just to get another shot and prove myself," Harper said. "So you know, it's a team full of guy that are hungry and young guys that  the talent and trying to put it all together.

"Even if I don't  be a part of it, I still learned from it while I was here."

Harper was the 32nd overall pick of the 2011 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers out of Richmond.  He was traded on draft night to the Orlando Magic. The 27-year-old played in 14 games during that strike-shortened season. He then spent the next three seasons overseas. He was in the Brooklyn Nets' training camp before the start of last season.

After being waived, Harper was acquired by the D-Fenders and was named a 2016 D-League all-star.  He had two 10-day contracts with the Detroit Pistons last season.

Follow and contact 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers.