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7 training camp battles that could help solve the Sixers’ backup center conundrum

Philadelphia’s backup center dilemma deepened after Ariel Hukporti’s season-ending Achilles tear, leaving the Sixers with limited options to replace his production behind Joel Embiid. With salary constraints and a hard cap preventing them from signing a traditional free agent, the team may need to explore unconventional routes—including poaching players from training camp battles across the league.

Two-way contracts remain a viable stopgap, as the Sixers successfully converted both Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker from such deals last season. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks each have intriguing Exhibit 10 signees vying for roster spots, offering potential solutions if they underperform in preseason play.

Among them, Pacers’ center Rienk Mast stands out with his size (6’10”, 250 lbs) and offensive versatility, averaging 12.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in his two years at Nebraska, though his shot-blocking remains a question mark. The Bucks’ Jake Stephe and Johni Broome could also draw interest, though Broome’s inclusion seems unlikely to resonate with Sixers’ frontcourt needs.

If either Mast or Keita (6’8”, 230 lbs) fails to impress in Indiana, the Sixers could target them as a low-risk addition to their G League-affiliated depth chart.

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