New Faces, Fresh Opportunities: Assessing Sixers’ Depth as They Fight for Roster Spots

The Sixers have 13 games left in their schedule, and from the upcoming game against San Antonio to the regular season’s conclusion on April 13, the primary objective won’t be to secure victories. So, what will be the focus?

In the grand scheme, the main priority for the Sixers will be to improve their chances of retaining a top-six protected first-round pick. However, on a game-by-game basis, attention will likely center around assessing players who are on the fringes of the roster, gathering data that could be useful for the future as they head towards the 2025-26 season.

Recently, the Sixers’ lineup has mainly featured those battling for their positions in the NBA. In today’s Friday film, we’ll explore some initial impressions of newcomers who are aiming to prove their value:

Alex Reese

Reese is technically under contract for next season, having signed a two-way deal that is reported to span two years, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. However, as two-way contracts are not guaranteed, they can be terminated if a more appealing player becomes available. While the Sixers showed interest in Reese, who excelled in G League shooting, his future remains uncertain.

Despite not being expected to consistently enter the rotation this season, Reese has been given opportunities due to injuries within the team. Although his G League performance was marked by strong shooting, he started his Sixers career with a slump from beyond the arc. Fortunately, he has recently bounced back, showcasing a remarkable three-point shooting streak in his last few games:

“In Tuscaloosa, Coach [Nate] Oats gave me the freedom to shoot whenever I was open,” Reese stated earlier this month regarding his development. “The work has been the difference-maker. I took the year off just to focus on improving.”

Jalen Hood-Schifino

Hood-Schifino was also not anticipated to earn significant playing time upon signing a two-way deal just before the contract deadline. However, due to player shortages, he has since found a place in the rotation and has impressed along the way. After minimal opportunities with the Lakers, he expressed a desire to contribute actively.

By the time of Friday’s matchup against the Spurs, Hood-Schifino is likely to have accumulated more minutes in five games with the Sixers than in his entire two-season stint with the Lakers. He bounced back swiftly after a rough first game, aggressively looking for his shot, and had a standout performance with 19 points against the Mavericks:

Hood-Schifino is eligible for another two-way contract next season, which the Sixers might consider, though this would leave only one two-way slot available if Reese is retained as well.

Oshae Brissett

Brissett joined the Sixers on a 10-day contract and was quickly integrated into the lineup. He mentioned going straight from the airport to his debut game and then traveling with the team for an extended road trip.

Having previous experience with Nurse from their time in Toronto, Brissett has been noted for his ball-hawking abilities and rebounding. He has quickly contributed, securing offensive rebounds early in his career with the team. His 10-day contract ends on March 24, which will cover the upcoming game against Atlanta.

Chuma Okeke

Okeke was signed shortly after Brissett to further reinforce the roster. He had a standout performance against Oklahoma City, achieving a double-double before halftime and shooting well from three-point range:

Okeke demonstrated impressive rebounding skills. Although he has potential as a two-way player, he still needs to establish enough offensive value to justify that role.

His 10-day contract will last through the game against New Orleans on Monday.

MORE: What’s next for Paul George and Sixers after disappointing debut season?

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