Former Sixth Man Of The Year Is Released By The 76ers Before The Season

Despite not being called James Harden, the Philadelphia 76ers have parted ways with the previous NBA award winner.

The 76ers will waive veteran big man Montrezl Harrell, who is recuperating from a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic on Monday. The 76ers will continue to assist Harrell in his rehabilitation and recuperation process, according to Charania, who also notes that the decision was made due to a “roster crunch” with the start of the new season this week.

The injury was sustained by the 2020 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Harrell, 29, during a summer practice in early August. Harrell is planning to return during the All-Star break, according to Charania, which would be a remarkable recovery given that it has just been around six and a half months since his injury.

Even while healthy for the 76ers last season, Harrell wasn’t very productive. He made 57 appearances as Joel Embiid’s backup, averaging only 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game (albeit he was more notable for his role as an out-of-game troublemaker). Now that he is free to join with any club, Harrell will be able to provide them some frontcourt depth for the latter stages of the 2023–24 season.