Going into the regular season, the Philadelphia 76ers don't really have a choice but to get creative with the center position beyond Joel Embiid.
Adem Bona has been playing for the team long enough to earn himself steady minutes when he's healthy again. Since Ariel Hukporti is no longer in the picture for the 2026-2027 NBA season, the 76ers are going to have to consider some non-traditional options.
Jabari Walker and Dominick Barlow are the two players with a shot at carving out a small role at the center position. Since they'll get buried behind the strong forward depth, the opening at the five will make them legitimate candidates to get some playing time behind Bona and Embiid.
We already know that LeBron James is down for the challenge, but 76ers head coach Nick Nurse also made it clear that Dean Wade should not be forgotten on that front. The head coach listed the veteran forward as a "candidate" with some "pretty good size" when assessing the depth behind Embiid and Bona.
When Wade addressed his chances of playing some center after Monday's practice session, the veteran made it clear that it's nothing new for him, and he's prepared for any role being brought his way.
Dean Wade has the tools
The veteran forward clearly learned a lot in the limited time he spent playing small-ball center in his last stop with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He noted that being able to see what's going on on defense helped him improve his communication on the defensive end. Offensively, Wade notes that playing with speed, setting screens, and spacing are things he could bring to the table in those scenarios when he's on the floor and playing slightly out of position. Really, the only drawback is "a lot more wrestling," as the veteran put it. At 6'9", weighing 228 pounds, Wade doesn't physically match up well with every big in the game.
With seven seasons in the league, Wade has nearly 350 games of experience. He's been consistent with his production throughout his career, posting averages of 5.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, while shooting 36.7% from three on 3.2 threes per game.
Wade isn't the type of player to stuff the stat sheet. Being a seasoned veteran who can star as a role player who does the dirty work, Wade is clearly ready to embrace any role tossed his way. On any given night, he could be the Sixers' backup big if Nick Nurse calls for it.
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