Sixers' Ware hopes to shine at Orlando Summer League
ORLANDO - Casper Ware was impressive enough this past season to turn a 10-day contract into a season-ending roster spot with the 76ers.
ORLANDO - Casper Ware was impressive enough this past season to turn a 10-day contract into a season-ending roster spot with the 76ers.
The 5-foot-10 point guard will be looked upon to provide leadership during Saturday's Orlando Summer League opener against the Magic at Amway Center.
But his earning a roster spot for the forthcoming season is far from guaranteed.
The Sixers acquired Pierre Jackson from the New Orleans Pelicans in a NBA draft-night trade for second-rounder Russ Smith.
Jackson and Ware are the same height. Both are scoring point guards.
Jackson might have the edge in the scoring category. The former two-time all-Big 12 selection at Baylor averaged 29.1 points in the NBA Developmental League last season.
"I have to show that I can contribute to the team, shoot and be a pest on defense," Ware said of making the team. "Be the energy guy, coming off the bench."
Ware has been impressive during this week's summer-league minicamps.
He has made his shots, is in good shape and has command of the team's sets.
"I don't know if there is anything he needs to do that's different than any other guy [to make the team]," said Sixers assistant Lloyd Pierce, who's coaching the team's Orlando summer-league squad. "He's going to work and be a better shooter and to give us a spark as a point guard backing up Michael [Carter-Williams]. He's going to work to be able to guard other point guards in the league, especially second-team point guards.
"What he's doing now is what we're going to ask of him - stay in the gym and work, provide energy, get in the paint, provide opportunities for other guys. It's the same stuff he does. We're just going to ask him to do it better."
The Sixers signed Ware to a 10-day contract on March 24. After signing a second one on April 4, he was signed through the rest of the season 10 days later. The team also signed Ware to a multiyear non-guaranteed contract.
He averaged 5.3 points, 1.1 assists, and 1.0 rebound in 12.9 minutes of action in nine game appearances with the Sixers. Showing improvement, Ware made 11 of 15 shots while averaging 8.7 points in the final three games of the season.
Determined to improve and make this season's team, the California native spent the offseason in Philly working out at the Sixers' practice facility.
"It's been important just to get some of that NBA experience and to work on my game," he said. "Plus, it helps you develop your game and get to know the coaches on a personal level."
K.J. McDaniels, the Sixers' second-round pick, was a late addition to the team's Orlando Summer League roster. McDaniels will also play in the Las Vegas Summer League.
Payton's new place
The Sixers will face a Magic team led by one of their draft picks in Elfrid Payton.
The team used the 10th overall pick on the former Louisiana-Lafayette guard. The Sixers then traded Payton to the Orlando Magic for Croatian star Dario Saric, a 2017 first-round pick and a 2015 second-rounder.
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