Before the beginning of the regular season, the Philadelphia 76ers are going to have to figure out a way to bring the center position into shape.
With the loss of Ariel Hukporti, there’s no shortage of players that the 76ers could look at despite having to trim down their roster for the season. There’s one player in particular that could be a huge benefit for the 76ers.
Moussa Cisse could be a name that hits the 76ers radar, according to insider Jake Fischer. Cisse is currently on the Dallas Mavericks roster, but that could change if they decide to go in a different direction. This would be a good deal for a 76ers team that has a major hole when it comes to the depth at center.
In his preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans, he logged in 16 minutes, scoring eight points, six assists, and three blocks before exiting with an ankle injury. While it’s unfortunate that Cisse was injured, it could be a blessing in disguise and make it so the Mavericks cut him and the 76ers can swoop in and sign him.
Cisse would be an immediate upgrade to any player that the 76ers have at that position. At 6 foot 11, his size would be a warm welcome considering the next tallest player on the team is 6 foot 9.
His size isn’t going to be the only plus; his rim protection and rebounding may be his best attributes. Throughout the preseason the 76ers have been outrebounded in nearly every game, more specifically on the offensive glass. If he can help this potent offense get more chances to score, it’s going to be the best move the 76ers could make during the preseason. This was a growing concern when you watched this team, and now they may have found their answer.
Cisse was an ACC Freshman of the Year in 2021 at Memphis and a Co-Defensive Player of the Year at Oklahoma State in 2022.
Cisse could join the team on a two-way contract, and this would allow the 76ers to add him to the roster without going into the first apron. It would be a cheap deal that benefits the team while they assess Adem Bona and his foot injury. There could also be a possibility that the 76ers move on from Tacko Fall, which would make the need for Cisse even more dire.
No matter which way you slice it, a big man is at the top of the list for the 76ers, and they could have the answer sitting right in front of them. They just need a little help from the Mavericks and hope they make the decision to go in a different direction.