Sixers: Ranking every player on the roster after James Harden trade

Ranking every Sixers player — 14. Charlie Brown Jr.

Charlie Brown Jr. swiftly earned his keep as one of the Sixers’ two-way contract recipients. He has appeared in 16 games for Philadelphia (including two starts), averaging 1.8 points and 1.9 rebounds in 9.8 minutes. He isn’t part of the regular rotation, but Brown occupies a unique niche on the Sixers’ roster. Outside of Matisse Thybulle, he’s the only athletic wing currently under contract for Philadelphia.

We will have to see if Brown can develop enough offensively to stick around long term, but he’s already a good defender. At 6-foot-6, Brown has the lateral quickness and energy level to defend multiple positions at a high level. He can fight over screens at the point of attack, dig in on the block, or play free safety (2.1 steals per 36 minutes this season). His athleticism alone makes him stand out on a roster full of perimeter players who look cement-shoed in certain matchups.

Brown plays mostly in the corner or in the dunker’s spot offensively. He’s a bad shooter (11.1 percent from 3-point range) and he doesn’t have advanced ball skills. He therefore relies mostly on his quickness and bounce to cut inside and finish at the rim. That will have to change for Brown to have an NBA role long term, but his two-way instincts and physical profile provide a solid foundation.

The Sixers will have to consider converting Brown’s two-way contract to a full-time NBA contract ahead of the playoffs. If a quality 3-and-D wing or guard doesn’t become available, then Brown’s defense and athleticism on the wing could be the Sixers’ best use of that 15th roster spot (which is currently occupied by Willie Cauley-Stein on a 10-day tryout).