We’re only a little more than two weeks removed from star Joel Embiid telling his Philadelphia 76ers team that they should start building around Tony Bradley.
On that day, March 11, Embiid did not play. Bradley, the third-string center, got the start. He posted 14 points on perfect 7-for-7 shooting and added five rebounds and three blocks over 21 minutes of play.
Embiid found a new player for The Process.
“I’ve seen enough. Build around Tony Bradley,” he tweeted.
The Sixers did not build around Tony Bradley. They traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the George Hill deal at the deadline on Thursday. Now, Embiid directed his message at the Thunder:
https://twitter.com/JoelEmbiid/status/1375146421805060101
Bradley has played well over his last eight games, seven of which were starts — and six of which came since Embiid’s injury. He is averaging about eight points, seven rebounds and 0.8 blocks over 20 minutes per game.
Dwight Howard, the second-string center on the Sixers, reacted to the deal as well. According to the SixersWire, Howard said:
“It’s very sad to hear about him leaving our team,” said Howard. “I’ve seen from the beginning of the season to now, his energy and his effort has changed, and he’s been playing out of his mind the last couple of games and I’m so proud of him. He has an opportunity to go to Oklahoma City and play big minutes, and I think it’s gonna be a blessing in disguise for him.”
It may be tough for Bradley to find time in the rotation with the emergence of Moses Brown behind Isaiah Roby, but based on what these veteran Philadelphia bigs are saying, it sounds like it would be worth it for the Thunder to take a closer look at the 23-year-old.
Bradley is on an expiring contract and will be a restricted free agent next season.
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