With the second half of the NBA season officially underway, the Philadelphia 76ers have made a new addition to the roster. The team used one of their available two-way roster spots on Thursday to add power forward Alex Reese to the fold.
Reese, 25, went undrafted in 2021 out of Alabama where he started 36 games and averaged 5.4 points per game and 3.1 rebounds as a senior. He shone from the three point line, knocking down 137 during his collegiate career including a memorable shot during the NCAA tournament to send the Crimson Tide to overtime.
Reese’s path to the NBA was very unique as he spent a year out of basketball as a bartender and a furniture mover before playing in Luxembourg for the Amicale Steesel of the Luxembourg Basketball League from 2022 to 2023. During his time overseas, he put up an impressive 23.7 points per game across 27 contests.
Alex Reese adds much-needed size to the 76ers
Fast forward to 2025 and Reese spent some time this year with the Oklahoma City Thunder, appearing in one game early in the season before joining the Rip City Remix, the Portland Trailblazers G League affiliate. In 10 games this season with the team, Reese was playing very well, averaging 13.4 points per game to go along with 6.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. This is up from 6.7 points a year ago during his first stint with Rip City.
At 6’9” and 245 pounds, Reese provides the team with valuable depth, and most importantly, size at forward. This is especially important given the injury concerns surrounding Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond. Guerschon Yabusele has filled the void at center and this acquisition would take some of the pressure off of him and Adem Bona who have both played well in their first season in Philadelphia. He will also have the chance to develop as a member of the Delaware Blue Coats where he should get valuable minutes and a chance to shine.
As it currently stands, the 76ers have one more two way free agent slot on the roster after Justin Edwards and Jared Butler were signed to standard NBA contracts during the All-Star break. They will have until March 4th to fill this spot under the updated CBA.
With the Philadelphia 76ers struggling and their playoff chances diminishing by the day, Reese could get a chance to receive significant minutes. If he can take advantage of this, it will be a big step in his young NBA career.