76ers Announce Two Roster Moves Ahead of Opener vs. Bucks

The Philadelphia 76ers are making some slight changes before they tip off their season against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Sixers’ President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey, announced that the team has signed Ricky Council to a two-way contract. As a follow-up move, the Sixers are moving on from Azuolas Tubelis by waiving him, creating a two-way slot for Council to re-join the team.

Following the Sixers’ preseason finale on Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks, the 76ers made two cuts to get their roster down to 15 players. Council was among two players waived, in addition to David Duke Jr.

The Sixers had hoped that they could get both players to join the team’s G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats when they debut next month. However, Council is set to be a part of both squads, as he’s back on the team as a two-way player.

Prior to entering the 2023 NBA Draft, Council had two stints playing in the NCAA. For two seasons, he played at Wichita State, garnering a reserve role in both seasons. Last year, Council transferred to Arkansas, where he started 29 of 36 games, spending 34 minutes per game on the court. 

Across those 36 games, Council knocked down 43 percent of his shots, averaging 16 points and two assists per outing. 

Sticking with the Sixers beyond the preseason, Council will split time in Philadelphia and Delaware, developing his game further.

Council joins the recently-signed Javonte Smart and Terquavion Smith as the third and final two-way prospect before the team’s opener on Thursday night. 

Meanwhile, Tubelis’ future is yet to be determined. After a three-year run at Arizona, followed by going undrafted in 2023 before landing on the Sixers via a two-way deal, Tubelis will search for his next opportunity beyond the 76ers