With training camp slated to open in a month to determine who makes the final cut, the Philadelphia 76ers have added another player in the ring, signing 23-year-old big man Max Fiedler to an Exhibit-10 deal.
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Fiedler, who played for the Rice Owls in college, went undrafted in this year’s draft, but will now have the chance to compete for at least a two-way spot next season. He is the Owls’ all-time leader in rebounds, assists, and field goal percentage, having also played the most games for the program in its 110-year history.
76ers sign Max Fiedler to Exhibit-10 deal
The 76ers appear intent on doubling down on their depth at the center position — a deed they miserably failed to do last season. They already managed to sign Andre Drummond, one of the most highly coveted backups in the league, and draft Adem Bona, a consensus value pick for a second-rounder in an otherwise weak draft.
Adding Fiedler to the mix, at least until training camp, should make for a good battle for the third-string center position. While not as significant, Joel Embiid being injury-prone warrants the overreach as Philly cannot afford another long bout with vanishing team production whenever he misses games due to injury or load management, the latter of which has become inevitable.
The 6’11” Fiedler was a very good finisher around the rim in college, albeit in moderate volume. He’s also tenacious on the boards, and is especially skilled as a passer from the high and low post.
Even if he doesn’t make it to the roster with so many players ahead of him in the pecking order in training camp and all three two-way spots already filled (barring any waiver), Fiedler could be a nice, under-the-radar get for the 76ers’ G-League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, possibly getting call-ups when needed.
