Going into training camp, the center position has been under a microscope for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Depth was thin months ago. The Sixers traded away the former second-round pick Johni Broome. Then, the team found out that Adem Bona wouldn't be available at the start of camp, leaving Joel Embiid and Ariel Hukporti as the only true centers on standard deals.
Tacko Fall, who is on a camp deal, is battling for the Sixers' final two-way slots. Being a center, Fall entered a favorable situation. However, he's staring at a setback himself after day two of camp.
Tacko Fall has a scare
According to PHLY's Derek Bodner, head coach Nick Nurse revealed that Fall "experienced a hip thing" during Wednesday's session. Bodner later reported that Fall experienced "hip soreness" and would go through an evaluation ahead of Thursday's practice session. His status for that run is unclear.
Based on the early reporting, it doesn't seem like Fall is in danger of missing major time. However, the veteran center doesn't have any time to waste. Being on a non-guaranteed camp deal, Fall needs every minute in practice and during the preseason. Any setback could end up being major for him at this stage of his career.
Fall entered the NBA in 2019 as an undrafted prospect. Coming out of UCF, he was signed by the Boston Celtics. Fall played for the Celtics over two seasons. In his second and final year with Boston, the center played in just 19 games.
Ahead of the 2021-2022 NBA season, Fall signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played in 11 games for the Cavs, averaging 5.4 minutes of action per game. Since parting ways with the Cavaliers, Fall has played outside of the NBA. The Sixers are giving him a chance to showcase where he's at, while offering an opportunity to land another two-way contract in Philadelphia.
Since the Sixers don't have a guaranteed primary backup to Joel Embiid, they are looking at several centers this offseason to take on the job. Hukporti is a new addition from the New York Knicks. Bona is returning for a third season when he gets healthy and will certainly get a fair look. Dominick Barlow might also be in the mix as a small-ball five, after he played power forward for the 76ers last season.
Anything can happen in the coming weeks, but so far, Fall is off to a tough start. That will especially be the case if he's out for an extended time.
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