The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Epic NBA Summer League

By Bret Stuter

Jul 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) shoots during an NBA Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) shoots during an NBA Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Shawn Long (36) in action against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Brooklyn Nets won 141-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Shawn Long (36) in action against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Brooklyn Nets won 141-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Minor Clause to Santa Clause

As you may recall, these new slots were negotiated in the most recent NBA-NBPA Collective Bargaining Agreement on December 24, 2016.  For teams with a strong G-League (Formerly Development League changed to Gatorade League) affiliate, the new arrangement yields a competitive advantage. The first advantage for the Philadelphia 76ers is the proximity from Philadelphia to Delaware. Two-way players are paid based upon where they play.

Two-Way Play

The ability of either two-way player to show up for a 76ers game in less than a day is a distinct advantage. And while the “game roster” will be limited to 13 players, imagine the benefit to the team had it been in effect in the 2016-2017 season?

As players fall to injuries for a week, this new structure allows the 76ers to call up either or both players to fill in during NBA games without the painful ordeal of cutting or releasing players. And the coaching philosophy is the same, whether it’s the Delaware 87ers or the Philadelphia 76ers.