Philadelphia 76ers: Ranking every player on the 2020-21 roster

Ranking every Sixers player #15 — Vincent Poirier

The “battle” for Philadelphia’s final roster spot never really played out. Vincent Poirier was a surprise inclusion in the Al Horford trade, and his guaranteed contract neatly rounded out the regular season roster. He’s now the fourth traditional center in Doc Rivers’ frontcourt rotation.

Poirier is a big, bruising center. The 240-pound 7-footer was one of the best rebounders in Europe prior to his arrival in the States last season. He played sparingly as a rookie, appearing in 22 games and averaging just 5.9 minutes for the Boston Celtics. He is buried under an even deeper center group this season, but could find sparse minutes in garbage time or when Embiid sits.

Rebounding is Poirier’s calling card, but he’s also fairly agile for his size. He runs the court well and is willing to get out in transition — a positive when you’re on the same team as Ben Simmons. He also has nice touch at the rim, with enough physicality to absorb contact and finish inside on a regular basis.

Poirier is nothing special and will not be part of the regular group this season. That said, he’s more than capable as a fourth center, and frankly, with Embiid and Dwight Howard both prone to injuries, his presence isn’t without utility.

— CHRISTOPHER KLINE