Silas played for the Maine Red Claws on the NBA Development League during the 2011-12 season. Credit: Portland Press Herald

The 76ers announced today that they have signed Xavier Silas, who also was a part of the team during the preseason. Silas, who I believed could beat out Lavoy Allen for a roster spot, will be with the team for the remainder of the season.

Silas played for the Main Red Claws in the NBA Developmental League (no longer called officially the NBDL, but you may know it as such). The Maine franchise is the Sixers’ affiliate, and Craig Brackins played several games for them earlier in the year. Silas’ numbers weren’t all that impressive in the D-League, especially his shooting percentages (just above 40% on field goals, below 30% on threes). However, Doug Collins was reportedly impressed with his versatility and willingness to defend in the preseason. He can feasibly play both guard positions at 6’5″ and, in a smaller lineup, could play the 3.

Silas provides another warm body to throw out on the perimeter over these next two games. He may see playing time in the final two games of the season as well, as Mike Preston announced that Thaddeus Young joins Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala on the pine, and Lou Williams is likely to sit out as well. Without those four, the Sixers now have 10 players available for the Milwaukee game.