The Philadelphia 76ers made a roster move Saturday night that was more about necessity than flash, but it could still pay dividends down the road. With Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker hitting the limit on their two-way eligibility-thanks to the NBA’s “Under 15 Rule,” which caps two-way players at a combined 90 active games-the Sixers needed to act fast to avoid being shorthanded.
Enter Charles Bassey.
The Sixers signed the 6-foot-11 center to a 10-day contract, filling their 15th and final roster spot. It’s a bit of a homecoming for Bassey, who was originally drafted by Philadelphia with the 53rd overall pick in 2021. While his time in Philly was brief-he played sparingly during his rookie season-Bassey has since logged meaningful NBA minutes, suiting up for 90 games with the San Antonio Spurs over the past two seasons and appearing in two games with the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this year.
Now he’s back in a Sixers uniform, and while this signing might not move the needle for most fans, it’s a smart, low-risk move that gives Philly some much-needed frontcourt depth.
Bassey’s career numbers-4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and just under a block per game-don’t leap off the page, but they tell the story of a player who can hold his own in limited minutes. He’s a classic rim-running big with solid shot-blocking instincts and a nose for the glass. On a team that’s been navigating injuries and fluctuating rotations, having a reliable big who knows the system and can protect the paint in short bursts is more valuable than it sounds.
The Sixers aren’t expecting Bassey to come in and change the game. But with the two-way clock ticking out on Barlow and Walker, and an open roster spot available, this was a move they had to make. It’s a chance for Bassey to show he’s more than just a stopgap-and maybe carve out a longer stay in the city where his NBA journey began.
Time will tell if he can make the most of this opportunity. But for now, the Sixers patch a roster hole with a familiar face who brings size, energy, and a bit of unfinished business.