The Philadelphia 76ers announced on Tuesday that they have invited towering center Tacko Fall and guard Jameer Nelson Jr. to their upcoming training camp. This move comes as the team aims to build depth.
Who are the new camp invites?
Tacko Fall stands 7 feet 6 inches tall and last played in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2021-22 season. The 30-year-old from Senegal has spent the last four years playing professionally in China and New Zealand. In those leagues, he averaged 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in just 18.1 minutes per game. Fall appeared in 37 total games for the Boston Celtics and Cavaliers earlier in his career.
Jameer Nelson Jr. is the son of former NBA guard and Saint Joseph's star Jameer Nelson. He spent last season with the Stockton Kings in the G League. There, he put up an impressive 18.9 points per game and shot 47% from three-point range. His shooting ability could provide valuable perimeter scoring for the 76ers. The team is also bringing in forward Saint Thomas, who averaged 12.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists for Philadelphia's G League affiliate last year.
Why does this matter for the Philadelphia 76ers?
The 76ers' roster currently lacks experienced depth at the center position behind star Joel Embiid. The other two centers on the roster are Adem Bona, who is 23, and Ariel Hukporti, who is 24. Fall's sheer size and shot-blocking presence offer a different look for a team that struggled defensively at times. Nelson Jr.'s proven three-point shooting addresses a consistent need for floor spacing around Embiid. These camp invites represent low-risk opportunities to find contributors. You can track the evolving roster on our roster page.
The front office, which also added LeBron James and traded for Jaylen Brown this offseason, is clearly exploring all avenues to build a more competitive team. Training camp battles will be intense as players fight for the final spots. Every detail from these sessions will be analyzed by the coaching staff.
What comes next for the 76ers?
Training camp will be the first real test for these new faces. Fall will need to demonstrate he can defend at an NBA level after years overseas. Nelson Jr. must prove his elite G League shooting can translate against tougher competition. Their performance will determine if they earn a standard contract or a two-way deal for the regular season. The team's immediate focus is on preparation and internal competition.
The broader goal is to construct a supporting cast that can make a deeper playoff run. The memory of the 30-point loss to New York in May still lingers. Integrating new players like Fall and Nelson Jr., should they make the team, will be part of that process. Fans can follow the team's progress and upcoming matchups on our schedule page. The 76ers hope these camp additions can help turn the page on a disappointing end to last season.