Sixers acquisitions Sims, Mullens talk defense

Henry Sims and Byron Mullens just might be the type of players the 76ers need for the team to move forward.

That's because they talked about being defensive-minded after Saturday's practice at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. It was their first practice as Sixers after joining the squad via trades Thursday.

The Sixers acquired Mullens, a 7-foot center, and a 2018 second-round pick from the Los Angeles Clippers for a conditional 2014 second-round pick.

Meanwhile, they received Sims, Earl Clark, and two 2014 second-round picks in the trade with Cleveland for Spencer Hawes. Clark was later released.

Defense "is what I want to emphasize while I'm here," said Sims, a 6-foot-10 second-year center in the final year of his contract. "That's a big thing about my game already, especially while I'm here. Defense is one thing I really want to harp on."

That comment pleased coach Brett Brown, whose squad allowed the Dallas Mavericks to shoot 62.3 percent in their 124-112 win Friday night.

"You just want to start crying," Brown said of Sims. "I really want to hug him and start crying and have him over for dinner."

Brown could also end up hugging Mullens, who wants to develop defensive trust on the Sixers.

"Without that, you really can't do anything," said Mullens, who arrived in Philadelphia at 7 a.m. via a red-eye flight from Los Angeles. ". . . Trust your teammate that he's going to have your back, and when you pick up his man, your other teammates are going to pick up yours."

Forward Danny Granger, whom the Sixers acquired in a trade with the Indiana Pacers, took his physical Saturday. There are reports that Granger doesn't want to play for the Sixers. He might get his wish, as the franchise is considering buying out what's left of his $14 million contract.