Since the Philadelphia 76ers' 2026-2027 NBA season started, there's been a common theme throughout each game. As each game gets played out, even with full health, it's hard not to think that this team needs another big man to utilize.
It's not some shocking concept. After all, that was the clearest area of weakness for the 76ers before they went into training camp. After the 76ers let Andre Drummond walk, they added Ariel Hukporti. In order to make room for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Sixers traded Johni Broome.
The 76ers were hoping to see Hukporti and Adem Bona prove that they can be useful as a two-man combo nightly. If not, then one would stand out as the clear-cut useful backup, while the other is there for comfortable depth purposes. But then an Achilles injury took Hukporti out of the equation. Bona has to be the guy for the time being. Unfortunately, an injury has him sidelined for an undisclosed period. So far, he's been out for three games.
The whole purpose of adding Tacko Fall to take up the final two-way slot for the Sixers was due to the lack of big man depth. A situation like we're seeing right now is where Fall is supposed to help. However, the 76ers have had Fall inactive and on the bench in recent games, including Tuesday's action against the Boston Celtics.
If Fall isn't going to suit up for the Sixers, or even play for the Delaware Blue Coats, then what exactly are we doing here?
The Sixers are wasting space
Look, there isn't a two-way player out there that's going to come in and be the Sixers' saving grace at the big man spot. However, the Tacko Fall experience has been a zero. He's been active twice since getting cleared to play again. Fall picked up three minutes of garbage time for his season debut on November 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He wasn't in uniform for the following two games.
Jabari Walker has been a pleasant surprise for the Sixers this season, but he's out of position. The 76ers need size, and they need rebounding. A 7'6" player should be able to help, but the Sixers aren't giving him a shot. Nick Nurse isn't exactly one to avoid giving two-way guys a chance. After all, Dominick Barlow and Walker played plenty last season before they landed their standard contracts.
So, does that mean Fall simply isn't good enough to be an emergency big man to go out there, grab some boards, and play some defense? I get he's a solid locker room presence, but the Sixers aren't going to be relying on a two-way guy to be a leader. They need center help, especially while Bona's hurt. If Fall can't help with early November stints while the 76ers can't fill their 15th roster spot, then they need to find a two-way who can. If they are confident he can help, then stop wasting space.
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