The warning signs were there for the Philadelphia 76ers all offseason long. As great as the team's offseason was, with multiple big-name acquisitions, the Sixers had a depth issue at center.
They didn't really do themselves any favors when they traded Johni Broome in order to make space for Kenatvious Caldwell-Pope, but that's not a move that they should regret based on early results.
However, the 76ers received devastating news on the injury front on Tuesday, while already dealing with a handful of issues at the center position. Ariel Hukporti is going to miss the rest of the season with an Achilles tear. Adem Bona is recovering from a foot injury, while Tacko Fall has a hip strain.
The Sixers have an open roster spot, but they can't sign anybody at the moment without a follow-up move. Trading is also an option, but those are two lanes the 76ers should avoid for the time.
It's not time to panic
Look, it's a long season. The 76ers were more than likely going to reach a point where they might use their 15th roster spot for a center. That move wouldn't have come until December, at the earliest.
By losing Hukporti this early on, it certainly makes the situation uncomfortable, especially knowing that Joel Embiid will more than likely miss action for the Sixers throughout the first couple of months.
There might not be another traditional big on the roster outside of Bona at the moment, but the Sixers have options to get creative. Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker will likely get a look at the spot. Both billed as power forwards, they have the tools to help the 76ers out as small-ball options to begin the year.
Walker is listed at 6'7" and has over 250 games of experience. After spending time with the Portland Trail Blazers throughout his first three NBA seasons, Walker saw the court for 64 games with the Sixers last year. He averaged 11.9 minutes of action off the bench. Walker came down with 3.0 rebounds, and produced 4.3 points per game.
Dominick Barlow brings more size to the table standing at 6'9". He has four seasons of experience, seeing the court for 71 games with the Sixers last year (59 as a starter). He came down with 4.8 rebounds per game, while putting up 7.7 points per game.
While LeBron James at the five isn't ideal, again, it's an option. LeBron said it himself during his introductory press conference: he can do everything. He's not joining the Sixers to play one role. If Nick Nurse needs him to take on any assignment, he's down for it. If that means backup five action for now, then consider it done.
Lastly, there is a two-way spot that will get filled in due time. It wasn't guaranteed to be for a center before, but this situation makes it obvious that the 76ers have to consider using their final way-slot on a big man.
It's not the perfect scenario, but the 76ers don't have to make any sudden changes as they enter a state of shock at the center position.
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