Philadelphia 76ers have two viable options to replace Haywood Highsmith

The Philadelphia 76ers have a new two-way contract slot to fill. There are already intriguing options on the roster.

As the 2019 Summer League approaches, the Philadelphia 76ers will be on the lookout for a new two-way contract. The team placed Haywood Highsmith on waivers Monday afternoon, freeing up another spot next to Shake Milton.

The Sixers aren’t fond of working the margins, but a strong two-way contract can pay huge dividends. Milton — the 54th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft — showed real promise in the G-League last season and is primed to get a real NBA contract down the road. He has potential as a rotational piece.

If the Sixers can put the right prospects in a positive developmental environment, good things will happen. Highsmith was a cool story and, by all indications, a hard-working individual, but he just wasn’t productive enough to maintain a roster spot.

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Now Philadelphia can search for someone with a real future on the team. Two viable options — Marial Shayok and Christ Koumadje — have already emerged.

The Sixers picked Shayok 54th in last Thursday’s NBA Draft, the same slot as Milton a year ago. While Shayok is considerably older and was less-heralded as a prospect, his skill set fits Philadelphia well. He’s a sweet-shooting wing who can hit shots on the move. Brett Brown values that skill set as much as any coach.

If the Sixers are genuinely invested in the soon-to-be-24-year-old’s skill set, adding him to a two-way deal makes sense. Even with his advanced age, Shayok won’t get minutes next season. Allowing his game to blossom in the G-League helps bridge the gap between development and NBA playing time.

The Sixers also have Koumadje, a 7-foot-4, subtly athletic center from Florida State. While he presently has no plans beyond Summer League, he’s someone the Sixers should consider. He fits a need at center and is someone who, in the right situation, could have value well beyond most undrafted free agents.

It’s tough for 7-footers to make it in the modern NBA. Unless blessed with outlier skill or athleticism, bigger bigs often get run off the court. Joel Embiid and Rudy Gobert are exceptions, not standard-bearers.

Koumadje grew up a runner and moves better than most players in his size range — Boban Marjanovic and Tacko Fall being the most recent examples. He’s still not a switchable defender, but there’s reason to believe his size, efficiency and defensive communication could yield some value.

Even if it’s in a minor, matchup-based bench role, Koumadje has the chance to carve out an NBA opportunity. The Sixers need to develop a reserve behind Embiid, a hole that’s even more glaring after Jonah Bolden‘s underwhelming rookie season and the 2018 playoffs.

Koumadje should get a look in that second two-way spot. There’s a chance Shayok gets a chance on the 15-man roster, which would clear a path for Koumadje to get the nod. The Sixers will continue to add more talent to the Summer League roster as well. The picture will be much clearer after Vegas.

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There’s also a chance Philadelphia can add both Shayok and Koumadje in two-way slots. If Milton’s standard NBA contract comes sooner than later, the Sixers would have room for both. It’s a prime development opportunity for two intriguing prospects.