The Philadelphia 76ers waived point guard Jacob Pullen today to free up a 2-way contract. Here are 3 reasons why the team made this move now
And as 2018 begins, the Philadelphia 76ers exercise a roster “housecleaning” of sorts. On one hand, guard Jacob Pullen, who signed a two-way contract for the Philadelphia 76ers on October 16, 2017, made the news today. On the other hand, somewhat ironically, one of the first acts for 2018 from the front office was to release him. He participated on the team’s summer league and five preseason games. In that time, Pullen averaged just 6.8 minutes, 2.8 points and one assist per game over the the team’s five preseason games.
As a matter of fact, the Philadelphia 76ers use of a two-way contract to retain Pullen surprised many. While the team assessed Pullen, it also looked at James Blackmon Jr.. Ultimately, the Philadelphia 76ers waive Blackmon and Pullen, who had spent six seasons overseas, signed. Nearly as surprising, the team did an about face in announcing his release.
International bias Brian?
Pullen’s surprising retention continues to track current Philadelphia 76ers president Brian Colangelo with an international bias. That bias emerged in the 2016 NBA Draft, as both late first round picks aimed at international stars. That same international theme emerged once more in the 2017 NBA Draft, as four of the players drafted after selecting the top pick are once more all international players.
The Philadelphia 76ers have waived guard Jacob Pullen. Pullen, signed to a two-way contract, appeared in 3 games for the 76ers and 14 for the 87ers.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) January 4, 2018
Okay. So the team waived him. But why?