The Philadelphia 76ers have officially filled all three of their two-way contract spots. Joining Caleb Love and Rayan Rupert, Tacko Fall will occupy the third and final slot.
The 7-foot-6 center gives Philadelphia another option in a frontcourt that has already been hit by injuries. Ariel Hukporti suffered a torn Achilles early in the preseason, while Adem Bona missed the entire preseason as he continues to recover from a foot injury suffered over the summer. Dominick Barlow has also been sidelined
with a back issue. In their absence, Jabari Walker has seen extended minutes and has responded well when called upon. Now, Fall adds much-needed size, rebounding, and rim protection to the reserve unit behind Joel Embiid.
So why did Philadelphia use its final two-way spot on Fall when he’s missed all of the preseason with a hip injury? Beyond the obvious need for frontcourt depth, there are already several connections between him and members of the organization.
Fall began his NBA career with the Boston Celtics, where he developed a close relationship with Jaylen Brown, a friendship that remains strong today. After his time in Boston, he spent part of the 2021-22 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers while Mike Gansey was a member of the team’s front office. Those existing relationships likely helped keep Fall on Philadelphia’s radar.
Since arriving in Philadelphia, Fall has also built relationships with several players in the locker room. Combined with the team’s need for frontcourt depth, the move makes sense. At 7-foot-6, he brings a unique combination of size and rim protection, while also adding a personality and presence that appears to fit well within the group’s culture.
Fall is 30 years old and has logged fewer than 40 NBA games in his career. While his massive frame makes him an intriguing addition, his role will likely be matchup-dependent. The Sixers aren’t bringing him in to play heavy minutes every night, but rather to provide size, rebounding, and rim protection when the situation calls for it. Against bigger frontcourts and physical centers, Fall gives Philadelphia another option off the bench.
For now, the move is more about adding depth than making a splash. With injuries already testing the team’s frontcourt, Fall provides insurance, experience, and a unique skill set as the Sixers round out their roster heading into the regular season.
