The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Which Philadelphia 76ers Players Not Assured 2017-2018 Roster Spots?

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: The Philadelphia 76ers host a post draft press conference announcing new players Anzejs Pasecniks, Markelle Fultz, Jonah Bolden and Mathias Lessort at the Sixers Training Complex on June 23, 2017 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: The Philadelphia 76ers host a post draft press conference announcing new players Anzejs Pasecniks, Markelle Fultz, Jonah Bolden and Mathias Lessort at the Sixers Training Complex on June 23, 2017 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 20: Joel Embiid
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 20: Joel Embiid /

Baby come back

Center Joel Embiid is a lock to come back.  No way the landmark center of the future NBA  walks away from the Philadelphia 76ers.  Limps away? Perhaps.  If he is injured significantly this season, the 76ers will likely seek some contractual protections.  But don’t count on that.

Embiid is the heart and soul of this team. He is the team leader. You don’t let that walk away.

Forward Robert Covington is the other player I truly do not believe the 76ers will allow to test free agency.  Head coach Brett Brown loves Covington’s defense, which improves with every game. President Bryan Colangelo loves Covington’s versatility. Covington on the roster allows the team to believe four positions on the basketball team have a serviceable bench player.

If you want to hear from the player himself, here is an online Broadcast where Robert Covington discusses his future as he helps cover the 76ers summer league game.

Guard Nik Stauskas is a potential casualty of the team at the end of his contract.  While I like his fortitude, and his willingness to do virtually anything asked of him, he  may not be offered a contract at his perceived value.

Stauskas does some thing right. His three-point shot is up to 36.8 percent. He is at the cusp of over 10 plus points per game, and he can rotate between either guard position.  At the right price, he is a solid role player for the team.