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76ers cut Paul, Webb, Barber, Long, Christmas

That was quick.

Dionte Christmas was set to travel to Greece to resume his professional basketball career until the 76ers contacted his agent Sunday night. So instead of getting on the plane, the former Temple standout drove to Camden on Monday morning to sign with the Sixers.

Then he worked out with the team, spoke to the media and was waived before folks in Philadelphia could congratulate him.

Truth is, the Sixers never really had any intentions of signing him to their opening-day roster. The transaction was all about being able to own his rights in the NBA Development League. Christmas will have to play for the Sixers' D-League affiliate, the Delaware 87ers, assuming he elects to play in the league.

The same thing for James Webb III, Cat Barber, and Shawn Long, three of the other four players they waived Monday. The Sixers also released Brandon Paul as they trimmed their roster to 15 players before the 5 p.m. deadline.

Cleveland owns Paul's D-League rights because he previously played for the Cavaliers' D-League affiliate, Canton. He is expected to play overseas this season.

As brief as it was, Monday marked Christmas' second stint with the Sixers. The 30-year-old originally signed with the Sixers on Sept. 28, 2009, before being released on Oct. 21 that year.

Christmas appeared in 31 NBA games with Phoenix during the 2013-14 season. His most recent stop was with Torku Konyaspor Basket of the Turkish Basketball Super League.

Dario gets whacked

Dario Saric was accidentally hit in the face toward the end of practice Monday. He headed to the team's training room, where he was evaluated.

The 6-10, 248-pounder will be re-evaluated Tuesday morning, and he's expected to go through the full practice. The Sixers don't believe the incident will prevent him from playing Wednesday night in the season opener against Oklahoma City at the Wells Fargo Center.

The rookie averaged 10.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in the preseason.

Injury report

Shooting guard Gerald Henderson (left hip soreness), small forward Robert Covington (right ankle sprain) and reserve center Jahlil Okafor (right knee soreness) did side work during practice.

Passing of a Warrior

Former Philadelphia Warrior and Temple standout Jerry Rullo died Friday. He was 93 years old and the last living member of the Warriors' 1946-47 championship team. Back then, the NBA was called the Basketball Association of America.

Inactive list

As expected, point forward Ben Simmons (right foot fracture), point guard Jerryd Bayless (left wrist ligament damage) and center Nerlens Noel (inflamed left knee) are on the inactive list for the opener.

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