The Philadelphia 76ers' 2026 NBA preseason is in the rearview. With an overtime loss against the Boston Celtics, the Sixers made it out of their mini-schedule with just one win. Two losses against Boston and another against the Brooklyn Nets. The lone win came against their first opponent of the regular season: the New York Knicks.
The Sixers didn't waste too much time finalizing the roster this weekend. On Saturday morning, the team made a series of moves to get down to 14 standard contracts and three two-way spots.
Who didn't make the cut?
A total of six players have gotten the boot since Thursday. Duke Miles and Saint Thomas were the first two to be waived. That went down on the eve of the preseason finale.
On Saturday, the Sixers cut ties with Dillon Jones, Cris Carroll, Jameer Nelson Jr., and Taye Fields. After holding a battle for the final two-way slot, the 76ers have landed on Tacko Fall. The veteran center will have a chance to split time between the main roster and the NBA G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats.
Barring any unexpected changes before opening night, this is the likely roster rolling into Madison Square Garden on Tuesday to face the Knicks.
76ers depth chart & rotation projection
PG: Tyrese Maxey, Labaron Philon
Who is in the rotation? Maxey
I'm not ready to say that Philon has cracked a rotation spot with a fully healthy 76ers roster. The rookie is in a tough spot because the Sixers are in a championship window. It's hard to roll out Labarons with LeBrons. Decent preseason for the youngster (9.3 PPG, 4.5 APG, 20RPG). Philon will probably get some run on a shorthanded night.
SG: VJ Edgecombe, Anfernee Simons, Rayan Rupert*, Caleb Love*
Who is in the rotation? Edgecombe, Simons
VJ Edgecombe proved to be a full-time starter in the NBA during his rookie season. A new-look starting five won't change him. I'm sure we'll have the occasional conversation about a potential move to a six-man role for him, but there won't be any questions about his status in the rotation.
Simons will be a key player off the bench for the 76ers. He'll probably play multiple roles as well. Since we're predicting Philon to ride the pine when there is a healthy team available, Simons could end up with some backup ball-handler minutes.
SF: Jaylen Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Justin Edwards
Who is in the rotation? Brown, Caldwell-Pope
The Sixers are banking on KCP to bring his championship experience to the table and help the bench unit click. So far, it's been a positive experience with KCP on the team. His peers have raved about the value he has brought to the table on and off the court.
PF: LeBron James, Dean Wade, Dominick Barlow, Jabari Walker
Who is in the rotation? James, Wade
LeBron James isn't your typical 41-year-old player in the NBA. This isn't going to be some Udonis Haslem, Taj Gibson type of role. This guy is joining the Sixers to be a starter and a Swiss Army knife for the team.
As for Dean Wade, he would've been starting if the Sixers didn't win the LeBron James free agency sweepstakes. He is going to play a key role for the front court, and could even shift over to center at times, depending on the night.
C: Joel Embiid, Adem Bona, Tacko Fall*, Ariel Hukporti
Who is in the rotation? Embiid, Bona
We don't have to discuss Joel Embiid. Adem Bona wins the backup center position by default, since Ariel Hukporti is going to miss the entire 2026-2027 NBA season with an Achilles injury.
Bona will be the ninth guy, and one who could get chopped from the rotation early. Since he won by default, he has pressure to keep the position. The Sixers have a handful of options beyond the traditional bigs. Nick Nurse mentioned LeBron James and Dean Wade as players who could pick up some backup five minutes. Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker are in the mix as well.
*=Two-Way Player
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