As the NBA gears up for its regular season, the Philadelphia 76ers are making strategic moves to finalize their roster, most notably by retaining center Tacko Fall on a two-way contract. Reports from ESPN's Shams Charania confirm that the 76ers have converted Fall's previous Exhibit 10 contract, which he signed in September, into a two-way deal, allowing the team flexibility as it prepares for the upcoming season.
After spending the past four seasons overseas in the Chinese Basketball Association, Fall is making his return to the NBA. The 2025-26 season saw him donning the uniform of the Ningbo Rockets, where he showcased his talents by averaging 11.2 points and 6.0 rebounds over the course of 38 games. His performance in China certainly kept him on the radar as he looks to make an impact back in the NBA.
However, Fall's return to the NBA has not been without its challenges. Early in training camp, he sustained a hip injury that has sidelined him from participating in any of the 76ers' preseason games. The injury was serious enough to warrant a diagnosis of a hip strain, with the team announcing on October 1 that Fall would be reevaluated in two weeks. As of now, the Sixers have not provided an official update regarding his status, leaving fans and analysts eager for news about his recovery.
Philadelphia's Center Position Needs
The 76ers are entering the regular season with a pressing need for depth at the center position, especially as they build their lineup around superstars like Joel Embiid. Embiid is set to start, barring any health concerns, but the team will rely on other players to fill in crucial minutes, particularly as the intensity of the season ramps up.
In this regard, Adem Bona is expected to be the primary backup center under head coach Nick Nurse. Additionally, Ariel Hukporti, who was signed as a free agent this summer, unfortunately, suffered a devastating season-ending Achilles injury during a preseason game against the New York Knicks on October 5. Hukporti's injury further complicates the 76ers' roster situation and heightens the significance of keeping Fall in the fold, even if his immediate playing time is uncertain.
The Advantages of a Two-Way Contract
Fall's two-way contract represents not just a chance for him to join the NBA ranks again but also provides the 76ers with roster flexibility. Under the two-way system, Fall will be able to split his time between the NBA club and their G League affiliate, offering an opportunity to stay game-ready while also contributing to the team's needs. One of the significant benefits of a two-way contract is that it does not count against the standard 15-man NBA roster limit that teams must finalize by the Monday before the start of the regular season.
This strategic maneuver allows the Sixers to maintain a full roster while also having an extra layer of depth if needed. If Fall regains his form and remains injury-free, he could ultimately provide valuable minutes during the season, especially given the unpredictable nature of injuries in professional sports.
Fall's NBA Journey
Tacko Fall last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season, featuring in 11 games with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Throughout his initial three-season stint in the league from 2019 to 2022, he participated in a total of 37 games but had limited opportunities to showcase his skills on the big stage. At 7-foot-6, Fall's height and presence in the paint are undeniable assets, making him an intriguing player as he looks to carve out a role with the 76ers.
Fans are hopeful that Fall can not only stay healthy but also contribute positively to the team's season aspirations. With the regular season just around the corner, the significance of roster decisions becomes even more pronounced; every move can prove crucial in the quest for playoff contention.
As the 76ers continue to refine their lineup, all eyes will be on Fall's recovery and integration into the roster. His journey back to the NBA certainly adds another layer of intrigue to the Philadelphia 76ers' season as they aim to make a significant impact this year.
