The Philadelphia 76ers have shown off the majority of their new roster through two preseason games. However, a devastating injury to Ariel Hukporti has left the Sixers somewhat vulnerable at the center position.
With the Sixers hard-capped at the first apron, they are unable to fill their final standard roster spot until later in the season. That leaves their final two-way spot as the only viable option for adding frontcourt reinforcements.
Here are three players they could target.
Hunter Dickinson is an intriguing option for the Sixers if they're looking to fill their final two-way spot. The 7-foot-1 center was a five-year collegiate starter at Michigan and Kansas. After averaging 17.4 points and 9.2 rebounds across 161 career appearances, he went undrafted and eventually landed a two-way deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.
While he appeared in just five regular-season games, he received an extended opportunity with the then-Birmingham, now-Laketown Squadron, starting 33 games and averaging 18.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.
Dickinson is a solid shot blocker and low-post scorer, but his lack of lateral speed could prevent him from being effective if he plays significant minutes.
Jesse Edwards is another center option for the Sixers. Like Dickinson, Edwards spent five seasons in college before going undrafted. Unlike Dickinson, Edwards has a much more athletic but less polished offensive game, focusing on second-chance points and rim-running.
Edwards spent his college career at Syracuse and West Virginia, starting 78 games across 118 appearances. After going undrafted, he signed a two-way deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, appearing in two regular-season games.
In the G League, Edwards started all 18 games he appeared in, averaging 11.7 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. While he showed flashes, the Dutch big man was eventually released.
Edwards initially signed to play overseas this season with BC Roma of the Italian professional league, but he and the team later decided to part ways. That leaves the door open for a potential Sixers signing and a return to the NBA.
Tyler Smith is a little more unique than the other two players mentioned. Standing at 6-foot-9, the former Milwaukee Buck has traditionally played forward for most of his career.
Since being selected with the 33rd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Bucks, Smith has struggled to find sustained success in the NBA. He spent a year with Milwaukee before eventually landing with the Houston Rockets and then the Dallas Mavericks, both on two-way deals.
While Smith has yet to fully develop, it's easy to see why the Sixers should at least be intrigued by the big man. He has excelled as a roll man in pick-and-roll situations while also showing a willingness to spot up on the perimeter.
While he won't be the same rebounding machine as the previous two players mentioned, Smith would be a far more lethal lob threat in the Sixers' fast-paced offense. With his athleticism and size, it's easy to see flashes of former Sixer KJ Martin in his game.
It's also important to note that the Sixers may very well decide not to do anything with their remaining two-way spot.
After what can only be described as a dream offseason for a first-time lead executive, Mike Gansey has compiled an impressive roster. He may decide he wants to see what it can do before making any more additions.
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