ducks
12-08-2005, 09:26 AM
Barnes may return to Sixers, and perhaps even play
By PHIL JASNER
[email protected]
The 76ers are close to adding a player. And it could be a familiar face, even though it technically could be someone who has never actually played for them.
The player in question could be 6-7 forward Matt Barnes, cut earlier this week by New York.
"We're optimistic," said Bill Neff, Barnes' agent. "We're hopeful that it gets done because, based on what they say they need, he could help."
Barnes came to the Sixers from Sacramento Feb. 23 of last season with Chris Webber and Michael Bradley in the trade for Kenny Thomas, Brian Skinner and Corliss Williamson, but never appeared in a game. He left in free agency after the season.
Barnes appeared in six games with the Knicks, making five starts, averaging 4.3 points and four rebounds in 15.5 minutes. He was dropped to allow the Knicks to sign Qyntel Woods. There was speculation that, since then, he was also contacted by the Washington Wizards.
Barnes was a second-round draft choice of the Memphis Grizzlies, the No. 46 overall pick, in 2002, but never played for them. He appeared in 38 games with the Los Angeles Clippers in '03-04, and in 43 games with the Kings last season.
The Sixers, with a full roster would have to waive someone to make room for a fresh face.
Six shots
Courtney Witte, the Sixers director of player personnel, was named to Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame's men's Silver Anniversary team, honoring the state's top high school players in 1981. Witte averaged a double-double for Vincennes High, leading it to a 26-2 record and the state title. He later played at Vincennes Junior College and - after declining an opportunity to go to North Carolina State - became Bob Knight's first junior college transfer at Indiana University... Sixers center Samuel Dalembert is serving for the fourth straight season as the honorary commissioner of La Liga del Barrio, the city's first Latino youth league. Today's tipoff ceremony will be held at the Nueva Esperanza Academy gym at 4 p.m.
By PHIL JASNER
[email protected]
The 76ers are close to adding a player. And it could be a familiar face, even though it technically could be someone who has never actually played for them.
The player in question could be 6-7 forward Matt Barnes, cut earlier this week by New York.
"We're optimistic," said Bill Neff, Barnes' agent. "We're hopeful that it gets done because, based on what they say they need, he could help."
Barnes came to the Sixers from Sacramento Feb. 23 of last season with Chris Webber and Michael Bradley in the trade for Kenny Thomas, Brian Skinner and Corliss Williamson, but never appeared in a game. He left in free agency after the season.
Barnes appeared in six games with the Knicks, making five starts, averaging 4.3 points and four rebounds in 15.5 minutes. He was dropped to allow the Knicks to sign Qyntel Woods. There was speculation that, since then, he was also contacted by the Washington Wizards.
Barnes was a second-round draft choice of the Memphis Grizzlies, the No. 46 overall pick, in 2002, but never played for them. He appeared in 38 games with the Los Angeles Clippers in '03-04, and in 43 games with the Kings last season.
The Sixers, with a full roster would have to waive someone to make room for a fresh face.
Six shots
Courtney Witte, the Sixers director of player personnel, was named to Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame's men's Silver Anniversary team, honoring the state's top high school players in 1981. Witte averaged a double-double for Vincennes High, leading it to a 26-2 record and the state title. He later played at Vincennes Junior College and - after declining an opportunity to go to North Carolina State - became Bob Knight's first junior college transfer at Indiana University... Sixers center Samuel Dalembert is serving for the fourth straight season as the honorary commissioner of La Liga del Barrio, the city's first Latino youth league. Today's tipoff ceremony will be held at the Nueva Esperanza Academy gym at 4 p.m.