NBA: 76ers Assessing Forward, Center, Clippers Also Interested

The Philadelphia 76ers are continuing to hold individual workouts for veteran players ahead of training camp next month. Veteran shooting guard/small forward Joe Johnson is expected to hold a workout for the Sixers on Thursday.

The reigning Big3 MVP and former NBA All-Star last played in the NBA for the Houston Rockets in 2018 where he averaged six points per game on 38 percent shooting. He has since been dominating in the Big3 league which has now helped him potentially revive his NBA career.

According to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Johnson will hold a workout for the 76ers on Thursday but has also attracted interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Denver Nuggets and the New Orleans Pelicans. The latter’s coach Alvin Gentry and executive vice-president David Griffin are said to have watched Johnson play in the Big3 in New Orleans last week.

Johnson was a seven-time NBA All-Star and averaged 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 rebounds during a 17-year NBA career which saw him turn out for seven different teams. He is likely being looked at by the teams to reinforce their bench strength going into the new season.

The 76ers also have eyes on another NBA veteran, Spencer Hawes, who is also expected to hold a workout for the Eastern Conference favorites. The 31-year-old center, however, has not played in the NBA since the 2016-17 season when he turned out for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Hawes was drafted 10th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings while he has also represented the 76ers between 2010 and 2014 where he averaged 10.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He spent last season with the Los Angeles Lakers G-League affiliate South Bay Lakers for whom he played 9 games.

The 76ers have 14 guaranteed contracts on their roster thus far and the 15th and final spot currently belongs to guard Trey Burke at the moment. Burke has $405,000 guaranteed on his contract and that is expected to increase to $810,000 if he is not waived by Oct. 23, according to ESPN.