76ers involved in fierce two-team race to sign big man aiming NBA return

Does this make sense for the 76ers?

76ers, Joel Embiid
76ers, Joel Embiid | Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The rumor mill has been running hot recently for the Philadelphia 76ers. While the main wave of free agency has already lapsed a few weeks back, the team has been linked to numerous names in the last few days as they seek to fill out the roster before training camp begins in October.

One area the 76ers should still look to bolster is their functional depth behind Joel Embiid who, while still playing at the peak of his powers, should have his worload reduced as much as possible to lessen the risk of injury and keep him fresh for the playoffs.

Thankfully, the front office is aware of that proposition.

The 76ers are reportedly interested in signing Killian Tillie, who’s eyeing an NBA comeback

According to Spokesman’s Theo Lawson, who covers Gonzaga Basketball, the 76ers are one of two teams who have expressed interested in free agent big man Killian Tillie who last played for the Grizzlies in 2022.

The 26-year-old suffered a back injury in 2022, which prompted Memphis to cut him from the roster before the 2022-23 season began. Tillie is now eyeing a return to the league, and Philadelphia, alongside Golden State, were stated to be on the hot pursuit for his services,

Like the 76ers, the Warriors are also in urgent need of big bodies in their frontcourt thanks to their aging nucleus. Both teams, however, would hypothetically treat him as a reclamation project as he’s been out of the NBA for a couple of years now, maybe signing him to a training camp deal to prove his worth.

Anyway, the Philadelphia 76ers showing interest in Killian Tillies goes to show that they are intent on doubling down on their cushion for Joel Embiid in order to avoid what happened last season. Hopefully, this exploit of theirs leads them to a serviceable player, be it Tillie or someone else.

Schedule